Colleen Hoover’s novels, known for their intense emotions and romantic storylines, have finally made their way to the screen with the adaptation of “It Ends With Us.” For readers and moviegoers alike, there’s a keen interest in how these beloved books translate into film, especially regarding the emotional resonance they’re famous for. One question on many fans’ minds, particularly given the movie’s target demographic and emotional themes, is: is there a Taylor Swift song in “It Ends With Us”? Let’s delve into the movie, its soundtrack, and whether the magic of Taylor Swift’s music enhances this cinematic adaptation.
“It Ends With Us” immerses us in the life of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), who returns to her hometown for her father’s funeral, an event that forces her to confront deeply buried traumatic memories. Moving back to Boston, Lily embarks on a new chapter by opening a flower shop – a detail that, while seemingly whimsical, sets the stage for her encounter with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni, who also directed the film). Ryle is portrayed as the quintessential successful and attractive neurosurgeon, initially presented as willing to change his player ways for Lily.
Adding to the narrative tapestry is Allysa (Jenny Slate), Ryle’s sister, a wealthy socialite who, in a rather convenient plot device, wanders into Lily’s empty flower shop seeking employment and instantly forging a friendship. This character, while intriguing in her own right, serves primarily to connect Lily further into Ryle’s world.
The film skillfully interweaves Lily’s present with flashbacks to her teenage years, where we see a younger Lily (Isabela Ferrer) developing a relationship with Atlas, a homeless young man (Alex Neustaedter). These parallel timelines initially serve to provide context to Lily’s character and past, though the teenage romance narrative sometimes feels less compelling compared to the adult storyline, especially when considering the dialogue and pacing.
However, the past and present collide more forcefully with the reappearance of an adult Atlas (Brandon Sklenar). Now successful and still carrying a torch for Lily, his presence complicates Lily’s burgeoning relationship with Ryle. This re-entry of Atlas hints at potential cracks in Ryle’s seemingly perfect facade and raises concerns that Lily might be repeating patterns from her family history, particularly concerning domestic dynamics.
“It Ends With Us” navigates two significant thematic territories. One is the exploration of how past relationships and memories influence our present selves. While the movie touches upon this, it doesn’t delve into the nuanced depth seen in films like “Past Lives,” which intricately examined the impact of time and personal evolution on our perceptions of past connections. Questions about Lily and Atlas’s individual growth, their experiences between their encounters, and how they’ve changed remain largely unaddressed, keeping the narrative surface-level in this aspect.
The second, and arguably more central theme, is domestic violence and its cyclical, generational nature. Here, the film adopts a less subtle approach. While it may not deeply explore the complex emotional and psychological aftermath of domestic abuse, it effectively portrays recognizable patterns of behavior and situations that resonate with those who have experienced similar circumstances. This directness, though sometimes heavy-handed, ensures the film’s message is unequivocally clear, even if it sacrifices subtlety for impact.
Regarding the soundtrack and the crucial question of a Taylor Swift song in “It Ends With Us,” the movie reportedly does include a Taylor Swift track during its third act. This musical choice is clearly designed to amplify the emotional climax for the audience. Taylor Swift’s music is synonymous with raw emotion and storytelling, aligning perfectly with the film’s attempt to deliver tearful, sexy, and emotionally charged moments. For fans of both Colleen Hoover and Taylor Swift, this musical inclusion serves as a significant draw, enhancing the intended emotional experience of the film.
However, despite catering to its target audience with these emotional beats and musical cues, including a Taylor Swift song, “It Ends With Us” encounters criticism in its resolution. The ending is described as problematic, leaning into tropes of “fixing” flawed partners and posing questions from a paternalistic viewpoint. This conclusion risks undermining the film’s exploration of abuse by suggesting simplistic solutions to complex issues rooted in power dynamics.
In Conclusion:
“It Ends With Us” is crafted to provide its audience with the emotional journey they anticipate, complete with romantic tension, dramatic reveals, and, indeed, a Taylor Swift song to underscore key emotional moments. While the film may resonate with fans seeking emotional catharsis and delivers on its promise of a tear-jerking romance, its narrative depth and thematic resolution leave something to be desired for critics. The inclusion of a Taylor Swift song undoubtedly aims to amplify the movie’s emotional appeal, aligning with the sensibilities of its core audience. Whether this musical addition and the overall cinematic adaptation successfully capture the essence of Colleen Hoover’s novel will likely be a point of discussion among fans and critics alike.
Verdict: While delivering on emotional engagement and incorporating a Taylor Swift song to enhance its appeal, “It Ends With Us” ultimately falls short of exploring its deeper themes with the necessary nuance and complexity.
