This is a romance based on a book. The film is played out with feelings of love in a period of happiness during younger days. It Ends with Us is a title with several meanings such as disconnectand confusion which gives the audience something to think about. The most positive aspect of the film is that its two female stars are Blake Lively and Jenny Slate. Lively is the lead in the film, and Slate is in the supporting role. It Ends with Us involves falling and getting back up which is somewhat poetic. Throughout the film, there are a trail of questions that swerve and struggle to stay in their lanes.

The setup is around love. The plot is strongly set on Lively’scharacter, Lily Blum. She has lived a rough life of turmoil and abuse. Her name inspires her to open a flower shop. In the back of her mind, Lily remembers what it means to fall in love and feel a surreal connection. At one point she was in love with a man named Atlas Corrigan, played by Brandon Sklenar. Their connection made her feel safe. Later, she meets Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni. Lily just wants to live a successful life and run her flower shop. Her friends, Allysa (Slate) and Marshall (played by Hasan Minhaj) try to be there for her. Lily continues to have reminders of the abuse due to the Ryle’s behaviors. How bad is it though?

It Ends with Us is clear in its patterns of distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Lily is unhealthy most of the time with Ryle. When Lily has Atlas on her mind she feels at ease. Their paths do cross again. When that happens, does Lily’s turmoil have a revelation? The positive aspect of the film being focused on Lily falls flat due to the tackiness of romance.

The film is built upon accidental moments. Those scenarios feel repetitive. This can be seen when Lily falls down the stairs when she has an argument with Ryle. After that happens, he tries to act like it does not exist. This may seem like a spoiler, but this is a pattern of repetition to expect in It Ends with Us. The conflicts keep trying to find fulfillment in a desperate romance which makes the film cheesy and predictable. However, it still has good writing, editing, and pacing which is centered on the path to happiness.

Overall, the theme of connection is what keeps being traced back repeatedly in It Ends with Us. There are moments when arevelation seems possible, but then it resorts to conflict andimmediate dismissal which is overly predictable. The romance vibes are not especially unique or special. Lively and Slate are great in their roles, but the film’s dynamics keep going awry.

With Lively and Slate playing close friends, I found magic in their relationship in terms of having a friend to talk with or figure things out with. Their friendship also paints a clear portrait that demonstrates happiness is possible. Unfortunately, too many scenes in this film lacking and there is too much predictability which is a pet peeve of mine. Two out of four stars for It Ends with Us.