Spoiler alert! The following story contains major plot details about the "It Ends with Us" book and movie (now in theaters).
The much-awaited movie adaption of Colleen Hoover's best-selling book "It Ends With Us" has finally arrived on the big screen featuring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in lead roles. Baldoni has also directed the film which hit theatres on Aug. 9.
The film revolves around Lily Bloom, a woman with a traumatic childhood who moves to Boston to start a new chapter in her life.
"A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship," the film's synopsis says.
Just then Lily's first love Atlas Corrigan suddenly reenters her life and her relationship with Ryle is upended, and she finds herself at crossroads.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
'It Ends with Us' trailer:Blake Lively falls in love in Colleen Hoover novel adaptation
"It Ends With Us" is the first film adapted from the novels of Hoover. The book sold more than 4 million copies as of 2022, though it has received criticism from some who argue the book romanticizes abuse. A sequel, "It Starts with Us," was published in 2022 and sold over 800,000 copies on its first day. The best-selling 2016 book was inspired by Hoover's mother and her experiences in an abusive relationship with the author's father.
Unlike the book, where Lily is 23 and Ryle 30, both characters in the film are in their mid-30s. Baldoni and Hoover recently defended aging up the characters, saying it would naturally take a long time for Ryle to become a prominent board-certified neurosurgeon. They also wanted Lily to be someone with life experience, who is comfortable and confident in herself by the time she meets Ryle.
Here's a look at the lead cast of "This Ends with Us."
Book vs. movie:All the major changes between the book and Blake Lively movie
The film's titular character, Lily Bloom, is ironically a florist, who recently moved to Boston from her hometown in New England to finally fulfill her dream of opening a flower shop. She is described as "a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to start a new life and chase a lifelong dream."
“Lily is not a wilting lily,” says Lively about her character in the film's production notes. “She has both feet on the ground and her head screwed on tight—she has real spice and agency. But you can be a woman with confidence and agency and know better, and still not see all of the red flags that you should."
Ryle Kincaid, a charming neurosurgeon, is one of Lily's love interests. The two share a passionate connection and as they "fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship," says the Sony Pictures about Ryle.
In the book's official synopsis, Ryle is described as "assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant," but also someone who is "sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily."
Baldoni said he wanted to portray Ryle "as a complex, smart man who has never dealt with old traumas," adding the character "may not be exactly (be) what viewers expect” and that he does not want to glorify him in any way.
Atlas is Lily's high school sweetheart, who suddenly reappears when she's with Ryle putting her relationship into jeopardy.
“Atlas and Ryle are polar opposites,” Sklenar says about his character. “Ryle has a manipulative, toxic presence. Atlas is strong and sturdy, an example of what masculinity can be in a calm, present and open way. Unlike Ryle, he has no need for validation. When he’s with Lily, he’s just purely there for her.”
Ferrer described young Lily as a shy introvert, but someone with "a lot of strength from the start."
Lily's second friend in the city, Allysa, who is also Ryle's sister, is described as an "outgoing fashionista."
“Allysa isn’t apologetic about being herself,” says Slate about her character. “She’s decked out in designer clothes. She goes after what she wants. But as soon as she makes that connection with Lily, she reveals this huge, loving heart. She shows Lily what it means to show up for someone you love, no matter what.”
Marshall is Allysa’s exuberant and eccentric husband. Minhaj, in the film's production notes said he came up with a backstory for his character.
“Marshall is a tech entrepreneur, and he sold his company for a pretty big nine-figure sum,” Minhaj says. “That’s the energy and swagger that I’m putting into the character. Marshall and Allysa are quite…how should I say it? Extra? Marshall’s definitely flirting with a billion dollars, but he’s not quite a billionaire, so he’s overcompensating.”
Jenny is Lily's mother and a significant person in her life.
"Jenny lives with a very complicated cocktail of emotions, but that shared experience is ultimately what helps her, and Lily heal together," Morton says of her character.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, The National Domestic Violence Hotline allows you to speak confidentially with trained advocates online or by the phone, which they recommend for those who think their online activity is being monitored by their abuser (800-799-7233). They can help survivors develop a plan to achieve safety for themselves and their children.
Safe Horizon's hotline offers crisis counseling, safety planning, and assistance finding shelters 1(800) 621-HOPE (4673). It also has a chat feature where you can reach out for help from a computer or phone confidentially.
Survivors can also call the New York City Anti-Violence Project's 24/7 English/Spanish hotline at 212-714-1141 and get support. If calling is not safe but email is possible, make a report at avp.org/get-help and leave safe contact information, and someone will reach out.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
