Colleen Hoover, a bestselling author at 44, wrote her first book as a gift to her mother, Vannoy Fite, but it was another family story that truly launched her into stardom. Her 2016 novel, “It Ends With Us,” based on her parents’ tumultuous relationship, is now being adapted into a feature film set to release on August 9. Hoover co-executive produced the film alongside Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who also directed the movie.
not one but TWO ethel cain songs in that horrible it ends with us colleen hoover movie pic.twitter.com/1GyhzxHlUn
— aaron (@aarnwlsn) August 8, 2024
The book, while a massive hit with over 300,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, has not been without its critics. Hoover acknowledges that a book with such a large readership will naturally attract negative attention. She has had to reassure friends who felt the need to defend it online, pointing out that the book’s overall success speaks for itself. “The overall score and the amount of reviews on Amazon is incredible,” Hoover stated, noting that negativity is inevitable with such a wide audience.
The story follows Lily Bloom, who enters a relationship with Ryle, a man whose violent tendencies emerge over time. He abuses Lily emotionally, sexually, and physically, leading her to the difficult decision to end the relationship when she becomes pregnant. However, Lily allows Ryle to remain in their daughter’s life, a choice that has sparked controversy among readers. Some question why Lily would keep Ryle around, while others praise the realistic portrayal of the complexities involved in leaving an abusive partner. Hoover has been candid about how her parents’ relationship influenced the book, sharing that her mother had to leave an abusive situation when Hoover was just two years old.
The categorization of the book as “romance” has also raised some eyebrows, especially given the dark themes of abuse. Some readers argue that the book should be shelved under “contemporary fiction,” while others suggest that dark romance is a legitimate sub-genre that fits the book’s narrative.
When Lively and Baldoni were cast in the film, some fans expressed disappointment that the actors were older than the characters in the book. Hoover addressed this by admitting that she had made an error in the book, not realizing that neurosurgeons, like the character Ryle, typically spend decades in school, making it unrealistic for them to be in their 20s.
‘It Ends With Us’ author Colleen Hoover on the differences between the novel and the film and how fans will react to seeing the big screen adaptation #ItEndsWithUsMovie pic.twitter.com/fcwheMACFW
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) August 8, 2024
In addition to the casting, Lively’s costumes in the film also drew criticism from fans, with some describing her outfits as “frumpy.” The film’s director, Baldoni, responded to the critiques by urging fans to watch the movie before passing judgment, suggesting that the context will make the costume choices clear. Hoover, too, was unconcerned about the outfits, emphasizing that the story and characters are what truly matter. Interestingly, some of the clothing seen in the film came directly from Lively’s own wardrobe, including a pair of Saint Laurent boots that garnered attention online.
Both Lively and Hoover are confident that fans will appreciate the film adaptation. Lively believes that viewers will love both the book and the movie, regardless of which they experience first. Hoover echoed this sentiment, expressing her hope that fans will be happy with how the story is brought to life on screen.
“It Ends With Us” is set to hit theaters on August 9, promising to bring Hoover’s powerful story to a broader audience while continuing to spark important conversations about relationships and resilience.
Key Points:
i. Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel “It Ends With Us,” based on her parents’ relationship, is set to hit theaters on August 9, co-executive produced by Hoover, Blake Lively, and Justin Baldoni.
ii. The book, despite its massive popularity, has faced criticism, particularly regarding its portrayal of intimate partner violence and its categorization as “romance.”
iii. Hoover has openly discussed how her own experiences growing up in an abusive household influenced the story, emphasizing the realistic complexities of leaving an abusive relationship.
iv. The casting of older actors, Lively and Baldoni, drew some backlash, but Hoover defended the decision, acknowledging a post-publication realization that the characters should be older.
v. Fans also critiqued Lively’s costumes in the film, though Hoover and the film’s team assured audiences that the focus remains on the story and character development, with Lively even contributing some outfits from her personal wardrobe.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
