FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://talkingfilms.net/it-ends-with-us-review-balancing-love-trauma-and-abuse/

"It Ends With Us tries to balance heavy drama and conventional romance with some difficulties, but it manages to offer a minimally thought-provoking reflection on generational trauma and relationship abuse.

Formulaic and not as deep as the complexity of its themes demands, yet still effective enough due to the strong performances of the cast, Justin Baldoni's sensitive lens, and several valuable messages for the audience.

The heart is in the right place, despite the problems that... read the rest.

"Lily" (Blake Lively) is supposed to give an eulogy at her father's funeral, but she can't. Even with her mother (Amy Morton) there and in the full glare of a packed church, she cannot find five good things to say about the man. Quickly we learn - through some flashbacks - just why that is, and just why she's grown up to be a bit of a romantic. Then she encounters neuro-surgeon "Ryle" (Justin Baldoni) and there is instant chemistry. She then opens a long-dreamed of flower shop and a stranger walks in seeking a job. Guess what? She's "Allysa" (Jenny Slate) who just happens to be the sister of he... read the rest.

I found 'It Ends with Us' to be largely great, though the way it ends does make me question how I feel about it.

The performances of Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni (just me who thinks he looks a touch like Runar from 'Ice Age'? ...), Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate - heck, even Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter (iffy likeness aside) - are stellar. I sensed a lot of chemistry between Lively & Baldoni and Lively & Sklenar, which is impressive to succeed in that area twice.

Pace-wise the movie jumps along nicely, all the other major elements like editing, mus... read the rest.