The film It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel, was released on August 9, 2024, after multiple delays due to production halts caused by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Directed by Justin Baldoni, who also stars as Ryle Kincaid, the movie had a production budget of $25 million. Despite its relatively modest budget for a Hollywood production, the film achieved significant commercial success, grossing $351.4 million worldwide. This impressive box office performance was driven by the novel’s massive fanbase, particularly its popularity on platforms like TikTok’s “BookTok” community, which helped the book remain a bestseller for over 90 weeks. The film’s marketing campaign capitalized on this existing fan enthusiasm, with trailers featuring emotional moments set to Taylor Swift’s “My Tears Ricochet,” resonating deeply with audiences.
The movie stars Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, alongside Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan, Jenny Slate, and Hasan Minhaj. While the film received mixed critical reviews, with a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was praised for its performances, particularly Lively’s portrayal of Lily. Critics noted the film’s attempt to balance themes of domestic violence, romance, and empowerment, though some felt it struggled to fully address the complexities of its subject matter. Nonetheless, audiences responded positively, with many praising its faithfulness to the book and its emotional depth.
The success of It Ends With Us also sparked discussions about a potential sequel, as Hoover’s follow-up novel, It Starts With Us, continues the story of Lily and Atlas. The film’s financial triumph, combined with its cultural impact, highlights the power of book-to-film adaptations in connecting with dedicated fanbases. Despite controversies surrounding casting choices and marketing strategies, the movie’s box office performance solidified its place as one of the most successful romantic dramas of 2024, proving that heartfelt storytelling and a loyal audience can drive significant success even with a moderate budget.
