It Ends with Us (2024)

I found 'It Ends with Us' to be largely great, though the way it ends does make me question how I feel about it.
The performances of Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni (just me who thinks he looks a touch like Runar from 'Ice Age'? ...), Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate - heck, even Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter (iffy likeness aside) - are stellar. I sensed a lot of chemistry between Lively & Baldoni and Lively & Sklenar, which is impressive to succeed in that area twice.
Pace-wise the movie jumps along nicely, all the other major elements like editing, music and whatever are all well done and are only plus points. However, the conclusion disappoints a bit. I do think it just about regains its footing to produce a positive ending, though how it gets there by wrapping up the relationship between Lively's Lily and Baldoni's Atlas left me feeling a bit uneasy. As did a few other scenes, though they were of course as intended.
Amusing that I'm pretty sure I was the only dude (or at least one of a few) in a packed cinema watching this. Upon exiting, visually I kinda felt like Will Smith in that famous 'The Pursuit of Happyness' (which I still haven't seen btw, gotta get on that) crowd scene - only surrounded by women. Bit awkward, I can't lie. "Will watch anything!" evidently leads me astray sometimes!

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://talkingfilms.net/it-ends-with-us-review-balancing-love-trauma-and-abuse/
"It Ends With Us tries to balance heavy drama and conventional romance with some difficulties, but it manages to offer a minimally thought-provoking reflection on generational trauma and relationship abuse.
Formulaic and not as deep as the complexity of its themes demands, yet still effective enough due to the strong performances of the cast, Justin Baldoni's sensitive lens, and several valuable messages for the audience.
The heart is in the right place, despite the problems that haunt the film."
Rating: B-