Blake Lively's eagerly anticipated film, It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, is already the subject of tumultuous discussion even before its official release. Released on August 9, 2024, this movie adaptation faced harsh scrutiny not just for its content—focusing on the heavy issues of domestic abuse—but also for its controversial production decisions and marketing approach.
Fans of Hoover’s work approached the film with high expectations, but the promotional aspects didn’t quite align with the story’s serious themes. Lively, who stars as Lily Bloom, confronted backlash due to the film's seemingly upbeat promotional campaign, which many felt was tone-deaf considering the heavy subject matter. People took to social media to express their displeasure, arguing the marketing trivialized the novel’s deep and complex themes.
One of the film’s most discussed aspects was the alleged feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who played her husband Ryle and also directed the film. Reports indicated there were creative differences during post-production, with insiders claiming there were two cuts of the film: one from the director and another made at Lively’s insistence. This conflict was exacerbated by Baldoni’s noticeable absence from public promotions, leading fans to speculate about the nature of their collaboration.
The speculation heightened with claims from certain sources, including TikTok creators, who suggested Lively took control during the editing phase and lobbied for her cut to be shown in theaters instead of Baldoni’s vision. This alleged power struggle raised eyebrows throughout the industry, prompting discussions about the challenges of collaboration amid creative pressures.
Contrasting Lively’s film experience, the upcoming Mickey 17—another highly anticipated adaptation—is handling its directorial cut differently. Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho, known for hits like Parasite, retained complete creative control over his project, which features Robert Pattinson. Joon-ho’s insistence on artistic autonomy stands out against the reported executive struggles faced during the production of It Ends With Us. This difference has sparked discussions about the industry's treatment of directors and the artistic control they possess.
Despite these disputes, Lively attempted to maintain positive public relations. Ahead of the early screening of It Ends With Us, she hosted fans at a Texas event, showcasing not only her enthusiasm for the film but also her penchant for style. During the event, both she and her co-star Brandon Sklenar donned matching floral jeans—an initiative purely orchestrated by Lively herself. The playful spirit around this event was intended to generate excitement and charm audiences, reminding them of the more lighthearted aspects of the film before some of its heavier themes unfolded.
Lively shared on Instagram about the delightful experience, stating, “If audiences had half the amount of fun we did, we’re gonna put theme parks outta business.” She even detailed how she hand-crafted Sklenar’s stylish floral jeans for the screening, emphasizing her connective spirit with her co-stars.
Yet, it remains to be seen if these efforts will overshadow the controversies the film has ignited. Audience expectations, shaped by the novel’s emotional weight, might not neatly align with what the movie presents, leading to potential discontent among loyal fans of Hoover’s writing.
While many await the public's verdict on It Ends With Us, the shadows of rumoured conflicts and marketing missteps loom large. On one hand, the movie's subject matter endeavors to open discussions on domestic violence, potentially serving as both entertainment and exploration of real-world issues. On the other hand, whether it can transcend its production troubles to resonate meaningfully with its audience is the ultimate question.
Lively expressed her hope to honor Hoover’s original story, reassuring fans, “I think we just did our best to honor the book and the fans.” At this juncture, only time will tell how successful It Ends With Us is at bridging the gap between powerful storytelling and the entertainment industry’s often tumultuous dynamics.
This film, which has garnered passionate dialogue both for and against it, reflects not only the intricacies of adaptations but also how star power and personal connections can impact the narrative’s reception. With the power of social media, opinions can be shaped rapidly, and the conversation surrounding It Ends With Us is likely far from over.