Drama doesn't end with us

Cast feuds and florals overshadow theme of abuse in 'It Ends With Us'

Picture this: Colleen Hoover's beloved novel It Ends With Us, which tackles the heavy subject of domestic violence, has just been turned into a blockbuster film. And not just any blockbuster—it dethroned Deadpool & Wolverine at the box office, raking in a cool $100 million in its first week. While it was released worldwide in early August, the film is hitting Pakistani screens today.

But It Ends With Us' success or its message is not the story making headlines. Oh no, the real drama is the off-screen tension between the film's leads, Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Rumours of a rift began swirling after Baldoni, who also directed and produced the film, was notably absent from group photos and promotional events. Fans quickly took to social media, speculating on the cause. Was it a disagreement over how to promote the film's sensitive subject matter? Or perhaps Baldoni wasn't thrilled with Lively's uber-famous husband, Ryan Reynolds, reportedly sticking his nose into the production as per The Hollywood Reporter. Things really hit the fan when a source alleged that Baldoni made some less-than-tactful comments about Lively's weight and lingered too long during a kiss scene. Cue the internet detectives.

BookTok famous

Now, let's not forget the film itself, which should be the real star of the show. Based on a BookTok (that's the bookworm side of TikTok) novel that has touched millions, It Ends With Us follows Lily Blossom Bloom, played by Lively, as she navigates an abusive relationship that mirrors the horrors of her past. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of domestic violence, and Lively's portrayal of Lily is meant to inspire and empower those in similar situations.

But amid all the drama, has the film's message been lost? Lively's quirky outfits and the cast's icy interactions have certainly grabbed attention, but they might be - actually, they definitely are - overshadowing the important conversations this film was meant to spark.

Floral fashionista sidesteps theme

Blake Lively's red carpet looks for It Ends With Us were nothing short of show-stopping, but perhaps not in the way the film's serious theme deserved. Decked out in an array of floral-themed ensembles—a nod to her character Lily, a florist—the outfits ranged from vibrant flower-embroidered gowns to bold botanical prints. These style choices became the talk of the town, dominating headlines and social media feeds. But let's be honest: it's more than a little tone-deaf to be traipsing around in pink florals when you're actively dodging conversations about the film's central theme of domestic abuse.

To make matters even more awkward, Lively donned a vintage Versace dress once worn by Britney Spears—someone who has been vocal about her own history of abuse. The irony of celebrating fashion over substance, especially when that substance is as critical as breaking the cycle of violence, wasn't lost on anyone paying attention. Instead of sparking conversations about survival and resilience, much of the publicity was spent dissecting Lively's wardrobe choices, leaving the film's deeper, more important themes in the shadows. The only one who seems to be actively speaking about what matters is Baldoni himself. So, fans are rallying behind him, defending his name from the efforts of the Lively-Reynolds publicist with a sword, or rather a keyboard.

Enough is enough

Brandon Sklenar, who plays Lily's old flame Atlas Corrigan, had enough of the gossip and issued a statement on Instagram in the midst of all this drama. "I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online," he began. Sklenar emphasised that the film is about hope, perseverance, and women choosing better lives for themselves. He stressed that the negative chatter surrounding the film is counterproductive, saying, "What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film."

Sklenar went on to share a personal connection to the story, revealing that someone close to him had experienced a relationship eerily similar to Lily's. This person hadn't heard of the book until Sklenar got involved in the film, but she credits Hoover's work with saving her life. Sklenar spoke passionately about the responsibility the cast and crew felt in bringing this story to life, hoping it would be a wake-up call for men who need to get their act together and a beacon of hope for those struggling with generational trauma.

"This film is meant to inspire," Sklenar said. "It's meant to validate and recognise. It's meant to instil hope." He also urged people to think before they spread negativity online, asking them to consider whether their opinions are rooted in fact or just a desire to stir the pot.

In the end, as Sklenar put it, this film isn't about vilifying women or turning the real issues into tabloid fodder. It's about writing a new story—one of love, courage, and kindness. So, as the drama continues to unfold, let's not lose sight of what really matters: the important message at the heart of It Ends With Us.