‘It Ends With Us’ hits a major box office milestone
A cinematic triumph for romantic drama
It Ends With Us, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, has achieved a remarkable feat at the box office. Starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the movie has grossed an impressive $100 million domestically within just 11 days of its release. This achievement places it among the elite group of 13 films to reach this benchmark in 2024. The film’s global earnings have soared past $180 million, showcasing its widespread appeal.
A budget-friendly blockbuster
Produced by Sony Pictures and Wayfarer Studios, the film’s success is particularly noteworthy given its modest production budget of $25 million. The romantic drama, which primarily targets female audiences, has proven to be a lucrative investment. The film’s opening weekend was a resounding success, raking in $50 million domestically and $80 million globally. In its second weekend, it continued to draw audiences, earning $24 million despite a 52% decline from its debut.
A story that resonates
It Ends With Us follows the journey of Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively), a small business owner entangled in a complex love triangle. She finds herself torn between Ryle (Justin Baldoni), a charming yet abusive neurosurgeon, and Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), her first love. The film’s narrative, much like the novel, delves into themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the film, you can watch the trailer here.
Drawing in new audiences
One of the most intriguing aspects of It Ends With Us‘s success is its ability to attract infrequent moviegoers. According to Sony, nearly half of the opening weekend audience comprised individuals who hadn’t visited a cinema in a while. This indicates that the film has managed to captivate a demographic that other recent releases have struggled to engage.
A pattern of success
This isn’t Sony’s first triumph with female-skewing literary adaptations. In 2022, Where the Crawdads Sing, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, became a sleeper hit, grossing $90 million in North America and $144 million worldwide. The success of It Ends With Us further solidifies Sony’s knack for bringing beloved literary works to the big screen in a way that resonates with audiences.
The future of Lily, Ryle, and Atlas
Given the film’s success and the existence of a best-selling sequel, It Starts With Us, it’s safe to say that audiences haven’t seen the last of Lily, Ryle, and Atlas. The sequel promises to continue the story, exploring new dimensions of the characters’ lives and relationships.
For those eager to dive into the next chapter, keep an eye out for updates on the potential sequel. In the meantime, you can watch the trailer for Where the Crawdads Sing here.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s heartening to see films like It Ends With Us achieve such success. The film’s ability to draw in a diverse audience, including those who don’t frequently visit theaters, speaks volumes about its universal appeal. The narrative’s exploration of complex themes and the stellar performances by the cast make it a must-watch.
For fans of romantic dramas and literary adaptations, It Ends With Us offers a compelling and emotionally charged experience. The film’s success also highlights the importance of storytelling that resonates with audiences on a personal level. It’s a reminder that, even in an era dominated by blockbuster franchises, there is still a place for heartfelt, character-driven stories.
It Ends With Us is a testament to the power of well-crafted narratives and the enduring appeal of romantic dramas. Its success at the box office is a promising sign for future adaptations and a celebration of the art of storytelling.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the It Ends With Us page.