The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us has shattered records at the global box office, grossing over $309 million worldwide. This achievement marks the film as the highest-grossing romantic drama since A Star is Born (2018), which pulled in $436.4 million globally. Directed by and starring Justin Baldoni alongside Blake Lively, the film has struck a chord with audiences, delivering a powerful narrative about reclaiming one’s life after an abusive relationship.
It Ends With Us has not only resonated deeply with viewers but has also outperformed several female-driven romantic hits of recent years. To put its success into perspective, it surpassed titles like Anyone But You (2023) with $220.2 million, Crazy Rich Asians (2018) with $239.3 million, The Fault in Our Stars (2014) at $307.2 million, and Me Before You (2016), which earned $208.4 million.
In the film, Lively portrays Lily Bloom, a woman who, after witnessing her mother’s abuse at the hands of her father, seeks a fresh start in Boston by opening a flower shop. A seemingly perfect relationship with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) soon turns dark as familiar patterns of control and violence emerge. As Lily’s past love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), re-enters her life, she’s faced with a tough decision — and ultimately chooses to break the cycle of abuse, finding the courage to stand on her own.
Sony Pictures, the studio behind the film, has seen tremendous success with female-driven stories in recent years, and It Ends With Us is another win for their slate targeting underserved audiences. The studio’s recent hits also include The Woman King (2022), Where the Crawdads Sing (2022), and Little Women (2019). Sony’s dedication to supporting films aimed at women is further highlighted by its acquisition of Margot Robbie’s upcoming project following the massive success of Barbie.
However, the film’s success has not been without controversy. Speculation regarding a rift between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni began circulating after the two were notably absent from joint appearances during the press tour leading up to the movie’s release in August 2023. Tensions reportedly arose on set, with rumors about Baldoni’s inappropriate comments toward Lively, including inquiries about her weight and physical capabilities, sparking discomfort among the cast and crew. As the film approached its premiere, the social media sphere exploded with criticism, questioning Lively’s handling of the sensitive subject matter of domestic violence.
Lively, who is not only the star but also a producer on the film, has been accused by some of downplaying the gravity of the topic, though she consistently addressed it during interviews and shared resources related to domestic abuse awareness. The situation escalated to the point that Sony felt compelled to issue a statement in defense of Lively and the production team. In a rare move, Tony Vinciquerra, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO, publicly voiced the studio’s support for Lively, praising her commitment to ensuring the story was treated with care. Vinciquerra stated, “Blake’s passion and commitment to advancing the conversation around domestic violence is commendable. We are proud of the film and the incredible work she put in.”
Despite the off-screen drama, audiences have responded positively to It Ends With Us, drawn to the film’s sensitive portrayal of the complexities of love and abuse. Its box office numbers show that the film’s message resonates globally. And while the film’s conclusion leaves viewers with the sense that Lily’s journey is ongoing, it offers a hopeful message of personal empowerment and breaking free from toxic cycles.
As It Ends With Us continues to rise in box office rankings, Sony’s commitment to telling stories centered on female experiences remains a focal point of its film strategy. With the film surpassing financial expectations and receiving widespread attention, it’s clear that the studio’s investment in female-driven content is paying off. For fans of It Ends With Us, discussions of a sequel have already surfaced, and while Justin Baldoni has hinted that Lively might step into the director’s chair next, nothing has been officially confirmed.
In any case, this film’s success has not only raised the bar for romantic dramas but also proven that stories about overcoming adversity — especially those rooted in real-life struggles — can leave an indelible impact on the global cinematic landscape.
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