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Blake Lively’s powerful message on domestic violence in ‘It Ends With Us’
A heartfelt Instagram post
Blake Lively, the star of the summer hit It Ends With Us, took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to share her thoughts on the film’s poignant narrative about domestic violence. Accompanied by a video from a red carpet interview, Lively expressed her gratitude to the audience, stating, ”Thank you to everyone who came to show that people WANT to see films about women, and the multitudes we hold. It Ends With Us is a story of the female experience. All the highest highs, and the lowest lows. And we are so proud of it. We have been in celebration of this film and of getting a message so important out there to the masses.”
Raising awareness
In a follow-up post, Lively shared a link to the National Domestic Violence Hotline resource page, emphasizing the gravity of the issue. She noted, “1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the U.S. alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.”
Controversial marketing campaign
The film’s marketing campaign, which encouraged fans to “wear your florals” in reference to Lively’s character, Bloom, a florist, has sparked some controversy. Critics on social media have argued that the lighthearted flower motif is inappropriate for a film dealing with such a serious subject. Despite this, the campaign has generated significant buzz and discussion.
The story behind ‘It Ends With Us’
It Ends With Us is based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 bestseller of the same name. The story follows Lily Bloom (played by Lively) as she falls in love with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) and eventually marries him. Over time, their relationship becomes increasingly violent, culminating in Ryle assaulting Lily. Hoover wrote the book based on her own experiences growing up and witnessing her mother’s struggles in a similar relationship.
For more details, you can watch the trailer for It Ends With Us.
Behind-the-scenes drama
The online conversation about It Ends With Us has been further fueled by rumors of discord between the cast and the film’s director, Justin Baldoni. Internet sleuths noticed that several cast members, including Lively, Jenny Slate, Brandon Sklenar, and even the book’s author, Hoover, had unfollowed Baldoni on social media. Speculation intensified when Baldoni attended the film’s premiere with his wife, Emily Baldoni, who also appears in the film. While the director posted solo pictures in a pink suit, Lively was seen posing with Sklenar, Slate, and Hoover.
Box office success
Despite the controversies, It Ends With Us has been a surprising box office hit, grossing $50 million during a typically slow late summer release period. The film’s success underscores the public’s interest in stories that tackle complex and often uncomfortable issues.
Critical acclaim
The film has also received positive reviews, with critics praising Lively’s performance. One reviewer highlighted her acting, writing, “She fills the screen with her acutely aware and slightly tremulous radiance.”
Final thoughts
It Ends With Us is more than just a film; it’s a conversation starter about the realities of domestic violence. Lively’s heartfelt posts and the film’s success at the box office demonstrate the power of cinema to shed light on important social issues. Whether you’re a fan of the book or new to the story, this film is a must-watch for its compelling narrative and strong performances.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can find additional information and watch the trailer for It Ends With Us.
