It Ends with Us

The curtain opens on a somber note as Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) returns to her hometown of Plethora, Maine, bearing the weight of grief following the passing of her father Andrew (Kevin McKidd). As she arrives at her mother Jenny's (Amy Morton) doorstep, the palpable sense of loss hangs heavy in the air. The funeral service is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships, as Lily struggles to find the words to eulogize her father, ultimately walking away from the microphone in silence.

As she navigates this newfound sense of displacement, Lily's path diverges, and she sets out for Boston, seeking solace in the unfamiliar city. It is here that she crosses paths with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a neurosurgeon whose frustration boils over onto his rooftop, where he carelessly tosses a chair aside. His gaze fixes on Lily, who sits pensively by the balcony railing, and they begin to converse. As their conversation flows like a gentle stream, Ryle reveals his profession, while Lily shares her plans to open a flower shop, acknowledging the irony of a woman named Lily Blossom Bloom cultivating beauty amidst life's fragility.

As the night wears on, the air thickens with anticipation as Ryle leans in, his intentions clear. However, Lily's guard remains steadfast, drawing from a wellspring of vulnerability born from her past experiences. She confides in Ryle about losing her virginity to Atlas Corrigan (Alex Neustaedter), the enigmatic homeless boy who captured her heart in high school. The memory of that fateful encounter still lingers, tempered by Lily's resolve to avoid casual relationships, knowing she is "the girl you take home to mom." As Ryle's ardor wanes with a work call, they part ways, their paths destined to diverge once more.

A poignant flashback transports us to the mid-2000s, where a youthful Lily (Isabela Ferrer) gazes out at the world beyond her window, her gaze settling on Atlas Corrigan as he rummages through the garbage in search of sustenance. The memory of this chance encounter sets the stage for the events that transpired between them. As the years unfold, we see Lily's compassion and empathy lead her to extend a helping hand to Atlas, inviting him into her home and nurturing a bond that transcends their disparate circumstances.

In the present, Lily's resolve to revitalize the flower shop takes root as she receives the keys, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Her path converges with Allysa (Jenny Slate), who stumbles upon the "help wanted" sign and becomes an instant ally. As they work together to transform the space into a vibrant haven, Lily's journey begins to bloom, much like the beauty she cultivates amidst the chaos of life.

As the narrative unwinds, Allysa extends an invitation to her husband Marshall (Hasan Minhaj) and brother Ryle to join her for an evening of camaraderie. However, this gathering serves as a catalyst for Ryle's unspoken desires, which he begins to pursue with renewed fervor. A series of subtle yet deliberate gestures ensues, including the dispatching of bouquets and messages, as well as a lingering presence that permeates Lily's daily life. The tension builds as Ryle walks Lily home one fateful night, his intentions evident in the promise of a single kiss. Though initially resistant, Lily finds herself succumbing to the allure of their shared moment, only to reassert her boundaries by opting to walk alone.

In another poignant flashback, we find ourselves transported to Lily's idyllic garden, where Atlas and she are engrossed in a task that brings them together. The conversation turns to Andrew's abuse of Jenny, an all-too-frequent occurrence that has become a painful reality for the couple. As Atlas offers solace and support, their physical proximity gives way to a deeper emotional connection.

As Allysa and Marshall host a lively gathering at their residence, Lily and Ryle find themselves drawn together once more. Their makeout session in Ryle's apartment is characterized by a palpable intensity, tempered only by Lily's firm insistence that they refrain from consummating their passion. Undeterred, Ryle retreats to his bedroom, where he dons comfortable sleep attire and provides Lily with a change of clothes. The next morning, Allysa bears witness to the pair's intimate setting before they clarify the nature of their relationship.

Ryle's formal proposal to start dating Lily is met with a hesitant yet ultimately affirmative response. As the weeks pass, Lily finds herself growing increasingly enamored with Ryle, her emotions gradually unfolding like a blooming flower.

In another flashback, we are transported back in time to witness young Lily and Atlas navigating the complexities of adolescence. As they ride the school bus together, they become privy to the cruel taunts of their classmates, who mock Atlas's circumstances as well as Lily's perceived association with him. In response, Lily takes a bold stand by kissing Atlas publicly, a gesture that elicits a chorus of applause from their peers.

That afternoon, at her family home, Atlas confronts Lily about the true nature of her actions, inquiring whether she kissed him out of genuine affection or as a means of rebelling against the mean-spirited girls. Lily's response is telling, as she reveals that her motivations were rooted in her desire to express her feelings for Atlas.

The narrative takes another unexpected turn when Lily introduces Ryle to Jenny at Roof, a restaurant that serves as their gathering place. To her surprise, the waiter and owner of the establishment are none other than Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), who has been keeping a low profile since his departure from the school bus. As they privately converse, Atlas feigns a romantic relationship with Cassie, a fictional figure designed to spare Lily's feelings about their renewed connection. Lily, meanwhile, is simply thrilled to reconnect with her old friend and confidant.

As Lily and Ryle's evening with Allysa and Marshall reaches a crescendo of celebration, the latter couple drops a bombshell: they're expecting a new addition to their family. The joyous atmosphere is tempered by Allysa's nostalgic remark about her and Ryle's shared past - specifically, the tragic loss of their older brother Emerson when they were just kids.

Back in their apartment, Ryle is busy whipping up a frittata for Lily, his culinary skills momentarily eclipsed by his curiosity about a mysterious heart tattoo on her shoulder. Lily downplays its significance, revealing it to be a youthful indiscretion from high school days. However, the sizzling pan's sudden pyrotechnics prompt Ryle into a frantic rescue mission, which culminates in him accidentally elbowing Lily and sending them both crashing into a pile of broken glass. The aftermath is marked by apologies and profuse expressions of regret, with Ryle taking the lead in his remorse.

As they head out to meet Allysa and Marshall at Roof, Lily's dismay is palpable as she attempts to conceal her newly acquired black eye beneath a veil of makeup. Though they're able to convincingly spin the story for their friends, Atlas proves more perceptive, confronting Lily about her injuries during a bathroom break. Lily defends Ryle, insisting that the incident was an honest mistake, but their evening takes another turn when they stumble upon Ryle outside, his emotions simmering just below the surface.

In a final flashback, we're taken back to a pivotal moment in Lily's past - the night she shared with Atlas after a passionate encounter. The arrival of Andrew, Atlas' uncle, interrupts the tender scene, prompting a brutal beatdown that leaves Atlas hospitalized and scarred. This traumatic event serves as the last time Lily saw Atlas before their present-day reunion.

Atlas pays a visit to Lily's flower shop, seeking to make amends for his earlier altercation with Ryle. He confesses to having tried to approach her earlier but chickened out at the sight of Ryle already there. Before departing, he leaves behind a card with his phone number, an olive branch in case Lily needs it.

Later, as Lily opens up to Ryle about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, he's filled with a deep sense of regret and empathy. The couple reaffirms their love for each other before rekindling their passion, forging a bond that transcends the challenges they've faced.

As Allysa welcomes a new addition to their family, Lily's life takes an unexpected turn when Ryle (actor name) proposes to her in the hospital room, and she accepts. The couple hastily ties the knot, leaving Jenny feeling omitted from the celebration as she's left out of the loop on the big day. Meanwhile, tensions simmer beneath the surface when Lily catches a glimpse of something amiss - Ryle's temper flares up after discovering a card with Atlas's number on it. His reaction is telling, and Lily tries to reassure him that nothing is brewing between her and Atlas, but his suspicions only intensify. As Ryle storms out of the room, he grabs Lily's arm and propels her down the stairs, leaving her dazed and unconscious.

As she regains consciousness, Lily's world is turned upside down when Ryle presents her with a seemingly innocuous magazine, highlighting the top ten best new businesses in Boston. However, the publication holds a secret message for Lily - it's not just any ordinary list. The revelation sparks a sense of unease as she begins to unravel the tangled threads of Atlas's words. In the magazine interview, Atlas speaks candidly about his creative process, revealing that Roof was inspired by his love for Lily (she isn't named explicitly, but Ryle knows exactly who he's talking about). The conversation is laced with hints at a deep connection between the two, culminating in Atlas's poignant tribute to Lily - a tree carving that echoes the tattoo on her shoulder. As Ryle drapes Lily across the couch and tries to assert his dominance, she fights back against his advances, ultimately fleeing the apartment as the tension boils over.

As Atlas ( actor's name ) senses Lily's distress, he swiftly intervenes, whisking her away to the hospital where a life-altering revelation awaits: she's carrying a new life within. Back at his apartment, the pair forges an emotional bond over a shared meal, with Atlas eventually confessing that when Lily discovered him on the precipice of desperation outside her home, he was poised to take his own life - until the radiant glow of her bedroom window intervened, halting his self-destructive impulses. Grateful for her intervention, Atlas acknowledges that Lily's kindness saved his life, and as she prepares to re-enter the world, he gently drives her back home, imparting sage advice: when she's ready to rekindle romance, he'll be waiting.

The emotional toll of Ryle's (actor's name) past mistakes soon becomes apparent as Lily confides in Allysa, her trusted friend. The latter's words cut deep, recounting the devastating consequences of a fateful childhood encounter between Ryle and Emerson - a memory that has haunted him for years, rendering him emotionally unavailable. As Allysa cautions Lily against rekindling her relationship with Ryle, she emphasizes that forgiveness, though possible, might not be forthcoming.

As the arrival of their child draws near, Lily begins anew in a fresh home, where Jenny's guidance and support prove invaluable as they construct a cozy nursery. Ryle pays a visit, his intentions ostensibly altruistic, yet ultimately self-serving - he pleads with Lily to reconsider her decision to leave him. Though she eventually gives birth with Ryle by her side, their union is doomed from the start. The emotional weight of this new reality becomes palpable when Emmy's name, a poignant tribute to Emerson, elicits a profound reaction from Ryle. Lily's resolve is unshakeable, however, as she files for divorce, determined to shield their daughter from the toxic dynamics that have defined her own life. As Ryle reluctantly accepts the inevitable, Lily declares to Emmy, "It ends with us," marking a triumphant turning point in their journey towards liberation.

In a poignant, cathartic moment, Lily, accompanied by Jenny and their daughter, pays respects at Andrew's grave, a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of cycles of abuse.

As the seasons unfold, Lily's life remains steadfastly grounded in her beloved boutique and the nurturing of her precocious daughter, Emmy. Amidst the familiar rhythms of small-town life, a serendipitous encounter unfolds, as Lily stumbles upon Atlas once more, their paths crossing like threads in an intricate tapestry. The air is thick with unspoken tension as they engage in candid conversations, both parties laying bare their romantic statuses – or lack thereof. The silence that follows speaks volumes, hinting at a future where the spark between them will continue to smolder, waiting to be fanned back into a flame.