The Action Behind The Scenes
You thought Don’t Worry, Darling was the last of press tour scandals, didn’t you? It Ends With Us might seem like a typical romance drama, but it goes deeper than that, both on and off the screen.
Controversial Or Captivating?
The film most talked-about this summer—or perhaps the one with the most digital buzz—is also contending with controversy. It Ends with Us is the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel of the same name. But the rumors say the cast isn’t getting along off-screen.
Rumor Has It
Once the film's press tour hit the road, many fans began noticing something weird: one key player in the cast was conspicuously absent. Rumors and speculation started immediately and have cast a shadow over—or successfully drawn attention to—the film’s promotion.
Wayfarer Studios, It Ends With Us, 2024
Just Romance Or More?
Although It Ends With Us appears to be another romantic drama the film portrays the kind of love that comes with a darker edge. Through its characters and their deliberations, the film opens up the topic of domestic violence within the family. It’s a topic that’s tough to promote.
Wayfarer Studios, It Ends With Us, 2024
Colleen Hoover’s Own Story
Here’s a little background. When Colleen Hoover published her 2016 bestseller It Ends With Us, she said it was inspired by her personal history. She talks candidly about her father and how he was physically abusive to her mother and that writing the book was a way to build awareness.
CHAD GRIFFITH, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hoover's "Hardest Book"
Hoover described it as the "hardest book" she’s ever written, and readers are reacting strongly to the novel's emotional depth. The way in which it depicts domestic abuse is raw, honest, and extraordinarily realistic.
From Bestseller To Global Sensation
Published by Atria Books, It Ends With Us sold over one million copies by 2019. The BookTok community on TikTok managed to promote it even more and it ended up garnering a global audience within two years.
Vieli23, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Story of Love And Breaking The Cycle
The film is about Lily Bloom, a young woman who’s about to open her own flower shop when her father dies. Through flashbacks, we learn that he abused her mother physically and sexually throughout her childhood. Lily can’t even bring herself to give a eulogy for this man.
Wayfarer Studios, It Ends With Us, 2024
Meeting Ryle Kincaid
Shortly after her father’s funeral, Lily meets charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni. Although Lily is determined to escape her past, her relationship with Ryle ends up mirroring the abuse she witnessed growing up. This continues until her first love shows up.
Wayfarer Studios, It Ends With Us, 2024
The Flashbacks That Haunt Lily
The film weaves in flashbacks of Lily’s past with her present struggles, so we get a good look at the abusive environment she grew up in. Looking back at her history helps us understand the depth of her character and makes her journey toward healing all the more heart-rending.
Wayfarer Studios, It Ends With Us, 2024
Atlas Corrigan Is Her Beacon Of Hope
Atlas Corrigan was Lily’s high school sweetheart and represents what a healthier relationship could be. He reappears in Lily’s life at a significant time, just when she so badly needs strength and a glimpse at what it means to have love without pain.
James Bianchi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lily’s Promise
The title of the film is Lily’s promise to her daughter that she will end the cycle of abuse that has plagued their family. This promise represents the emotional climax of the story and the central theme of resilience to break free of violence to live a better life.
Wayfarer Studios, It Ends With Us, 2024
Justin Baldoni’s Emotional Connection
Justin Baldoni was deeply moved when he read Hoover’s novel and in 2019 he reached out to Hoover and purchased the rights for a film adaptation. Both the author and director worked closely in the early stages to ensure the adaptation remained true to the book.
iDominick, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Blake Lively As Lily Bloom
Blake Lively was cast as Lily Bloom, bringing to the screen a nuanced interpretation of the role. The decision to use flashbacks and age up the characters added another dimension to their backstories, making their experiences and professions more believable.
Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Justin Baldoni Takes On Ryle Kincaid
Baldoni not only directed the film but also took on the role of Ryle Kincaid. He was determined to capture the complexity of a character who is both charming and dangerously flawed. Directing and being one of the main leads must’ve definitely had consequences, right?
The Role Of Atlas Corrigan
The character of Atlas, Lily's first love and emotional anchor, is played by Brandon Sklenar. His performance is vital in exposing the contrast between toxic love and a healthy relationship. In a controversial scene, Lily tries to talk to Atlas, but Ryle gets jealous and attacks her.
The Film’s Release And Audience Reaction
When it was released, the film It Ends With Us sparked a range of reactions. Some found certain scenes too intense, like the rooftop confrontation. Others are frustrated that the film deviates too much from the book. But most critics are concerned that it romanticizes abuse.
The Controversial Scene
The scene with the violent confrontation between Lily and Ryle became a flashpoint for controversy. Critics felt that it didn’t handle the sensitive issue of domestic abuse with the care it deserved, and this opened up a broader conversation about how the media, in general, depicts abuse.
Is It A Film About Romance?
Fans of both the book and film feel that the story’s heavy and intense themes clash with the way it’s frequently described as a “romance” sporting a fun, bright and flowery cover. While other critics praise it for boldly exploring a topic that many people need help understanding.
The Backlash Against The Coloring Book
In a mishandled marketing move, the book’s publisher announced they were releasing an It Ends With Us coloring book. Fans were outraged at the trivialization of a story dealing with such serious themes. The backlash was so swift and fierce that it was immediately canceled.
Blake Lively’s Floral Press Tour
Blake Lively decided to ‘own’ the floral elements of Lily’s story during the film’s press tour. Taking a page out of the Barbie handbook, she turned the flowers into a personal brand by wearing actual ‘blooms’ in her hair and floral-themed outfits.
The "Barbenheimer" Connection
Blake Lively’s promotion of It Ends With Us comes just as her husband Ryan Reynolds is promoting his summer blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. The couple has made loads of joint appearances, often together with Hugh Jackman, reminiscent of last summer’s "Barbenheimer" phenomenon.
Ronald Woan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Why Hugh Jackman?
It seems as though Jackman is everywhere in the press tour photos for It Ends With Us. This really underlined the fact that another star has been suspiciously absent from the press tour: Justin Baldoni. Baldoni not only stars as Ryle but he’s the film’s director and producer. So…
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Where Is Baldoni?
Fans have been suggesting all kinds of spectacular rumors to explain Baldoni’s isolation on the red carpets and during interviews. Is it his choice, or has he become an “outcast?” This is one of the main questions in the buzz of behind-the-scenes drama.
Isolating By Choice?
Apparently Baldoni didn't get on stage to introduce the film ahead of the screening together with Lively and Hoover. This was seen as odd behavior for someone who is the producer, director and star of the film. Why disappoint the fans?
Lively Has Nothing To Say
Aside from not appearing with his castmates, it seems that Baldoni is not being discussed by anyone and is being actively ignored, according to the internet. Lively didn’t even mention him while discussing the scene where Lily meets Ryle.
David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Media Frenzy
Just the perception of this being a real drama has sparked loads of speculation, like Baldoni did something horrible on set to make everyone turn against him, or blaming Lively and Reynolds for being too pushy. Will we find out the truth or is it a PR ploy?
Internet Obsession
The film’s press tour has become the internet’s newest obsession. Fans are closely following every move by the cast. Lively is playing this up for all it’s worth, making strategic appearances with her husband Reynolds and enjoying the film’s promo campaign.
Kristin Dos, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Quote From The Man Himself
The alleged on-set tensions and supposed disagreements have added a layer of intrigue to the film’s release. In an interview, Baldoni said, "...of course, you're navigating complex personalities and trying to get everybody on the same page with the same vision. And mistakes are always made, and then you figure out how to move past them."
Baldoni’s Changing Vision
In the same interview, Baldoni added, "I'm a 'best idea wins' person, and I always have been, to a fault." The actor said that sometimes he felt as though people on set wondered "if I know what I'm doing or if I have a point of view because I'm so willing to have my vision changed."
Emotional Challenges
Playing the roles of both director and actor can complicate the situation. Baldoni talked about the emotional challenges involved, and this may be part of what led to the tensions on the set. It can’t be easy to get inside such an intense character and still have to direct his co-stars.
Baldoni’s Praise For Lively
Baldoni publicly went out of his way to praise Lively, calling her a "creative force" and crediting her for the film’s success. He said, “Everything she touches, she makes better. I think we’re all here because of her, so I couldn’t be more grateful to have that opportunity.”
GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jenny Slate Deflects Questions About Baldoni
When asked at the film’s premiere about her experience working with Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate dodged the question. Instead, commenting “What an intense job to have to do so many things... I really just want to have one job at once.”
Mingle Media TV, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cast Members Unfollow Baldoni
Social media users are pointing out that many of the cast members are staying away from Baldoni, even unfollowing him on Instagram. One theory is that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, may have taken over from Baldoni during post-production.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Did Reynolds Get Too Involved?
Some theories claim that Reynolds' input, especially the fact that he wrote the "iconic rooftop scene," could be what caused the tension between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Was Reynolds trying to take creative control away from Baldoni?
Dick Thomas Johnson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
On-Screen Depictions Impact Real Life
Experts stress how important it is to carefully handle the theme of intimate partner violence in media portrayals. All the controversy surrounding the film has sparked an important wider conversation about how these kinds of sensitive topics should be presented to the public.
A Call For Caution In Marketing
For the same reason, Dr. Anthony Estreet, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, emphasized the need for caution while marketing films like It Ends With Us. He feels it’s vital to include resources that support domestic violence survivors any time promotions appear.
The Role Of Lively’s Performance
Critics and social media mavens have praised Blake Lively’s portrayal of Lily for its authenticity and emotional depth. Her performance underlines the gravity of Lily’s decision to break the cycle of violence, making the story’s message all the more powerful.
Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Hope For Change
Baldoni’s goal was for the film to inspire men so they become aware of and address their own issues before they escalate. By presenting two contrasting male characters—Ryle and Atlas—he hopes viewers will reflect on their own behavior and choose a path of healing.
The Impact On Viewers
Once the credits roll, viewers say they are left with a powerful message about the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse. The fact that the film includes information about the National Domestic Violence hotline in its closing credits strengthens this commitment to survivors.
Baldoni’s Plans For The Sequel
Baldoni said he had no plans to return to his role, which isn't surprising if you think about the ending of It Ends with Us. The filmmaker and star also added that Lively should direct the sequel. Given all the rumors, is this remark harmless, supportive, or something else?
Is It A Publicity Stunt?
Some fans have been wondering whether all this drama with Baldoni isn’t a deliberate publicity stunt to generate attention. All of this perceived tension could be nothing more than a marketing strategy created to keep the buzz going. And it seems to be working.
Cast Chemistry Worth Watching
The rumors that are running rampant about the cast’s relationship have made people question their ability to maintain the on-screen chemistry. But these stars gave their all, delivering a powerful performance that draws viewers in and keeps them waiting to see how things play out.
The Balance Of Art And Activism
It Ends With Us successfully walks the fine line between art and activism. Lively’s portrayal of Lily Bloom has left audiences and critics impressed by her ability to balance vulnerability and strength. This authenticity has made the film a must-see for its messages and sheer talent.
Intrigue And Anticipation
With all the buzz and behind-the-scenes whispers, It Ends With Us is one of the most talked-about films of this summer. Whether you’ve been hooked by the drama on the big screen or the one going on behind it, this film is worth the watch and gives you plenty to discuss.
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