It Ends with Us

It Ends with Us 2024

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Plot Summary


The story begins on a somber note as Lily Bloom, portrayed by Blake Lively, returns to her hometown of Plethora, Maine, to face the overwhelming grief after the death of her father, Andrew, played by Kevin McKidd. Upon arriving at her mother Jenny’s doorstep, portrayed by Amy Morton, the atmosphere is thick with sorrow. The funeral serves as a touching reminder of the intricate nature of human relationships, where Lily struggles to articulate her thoughts during her father’s eulogy, ultimately retreating from the microphone in silence.

In search of solace, Lily heads to Boston, where she encounters Ryle Kincaid (played by Justin Baldoni), a neurosurgeon harboring his frustrations. Their first meeting occurs on a rooftop, where Ryle’s exasperation manifests in the reckless act of tossing a chair. He notices Lily at the balcony railing, and their conversation gradually takes off, with Ryle sharing his profession while Lily reveals her aspirations of opening a flower shop. Amidst her admission, Lily ponders the irony of her name, Lily Bloom, growing beauty from the fragility of life.

The night progresses, charged with palpable tension as Ryle leans in closer with unmistakable intentions. However, Lily remains guarded, her heart shaped by past experiences. She opens up about her first love, Atlas Corrigan, portrayed by Alex Neustaedter, the homeless boy who once captured her heart in high school. Ryle’s interest is abruptly interrupted by a work-related phone call, leading to their separation yet again.

A pivotal flashback whisks us to the mid-2000s, where a young Lily, played by Isabela Ferrer, watches as Atlas rummages through trash for food. This significant moment lays the foundation for their burgeoning relationship. As years pass, Lily’s compassion shines as she provides Atlas with a place to stay, fostering a bond that transcends their differing social standings.

In the present day, Lily embarks on her flower shop venture, receiving the keys that symbolize a new beginning. She meets Allysa, portrayed by Jenny Slate, who becomes an unexpected partner in transforming the space into a vibrant abode. Their collaboration signifies the blossoming of Lily’s journey amid life’s complexities.

As their friendship deepens, Allysa invites her husband Marshall, played by Hasan Minhaj, and Ryle to an evening gathering. However, Ryle’s unacknowledged desires become evident throughout the night, evidenced by the bouquet deliveries and thoughtful gestures as he makes his presence known in Lily’s life. When Ryle walks her home one evening, the chemistry is undeniable, but Lily insists on maintaining her boundaries, choosing to walk alone.

Another significant flashback takes us to Lily’s garden, where she and Atlas engage in personal revelations about the abuse Jenny suffers at the hands of Andrew. Atlas’s understanding serves as an emotional anchor for Lily, deepening their connection.

Later, during a lively party hosted by Allysa and Marshall, Ryle and Lily share a heated moment in Ryle’s apartment, though Lily remains resolute about not crossing physical boundaries. The next day, the implications of their closeness become apparent, especially when they clarify the state of their relationship to Allysa.

Ryle’s sincere proposition to date Lily is met with a mix of trepidation and acceptance. As Lily’s feelings for him blossom, the journey becomes intertwined with memories of Atlas, whose influence on her youth is a constant reminder of her past.

In a defining scene, Lily’s reintroduction of Ryle to her family unveils unexpected connections when the restaurant they frequent reveals Atlas as a pivotal figure in her life. As the celebration unfolds, the joy is tinged with underlying tensions from the past and the innocent traumas that haunt Ryle.

As time passes, Lily finds herself increasingly drawn to Ryle, even amidst the emotional chaos his actions sometimes incite. A sudden accident at home serves as a stark reminder of potential violence, leading to further complications in their relationship.

When Lily confides in Allysa about Ryle’s volatile tendencies, the emotional stakes heighten, revealing the scars of his past that threaten their future. As the due date of their child approaches, the pressures mount, and Lily is determined to break free from the cycles of abuse that plague her family history.

In a moment of reckoning, Lily firmly embraces her independence, declaring “It ends with us” as she files for divorce from Ryle, vowing to shield their daughter, Emmy, from the toxic legacy of her upbringing.

The film draws to a close with a poignant homage as Lily visits her father’s grave alongside Jenny and Emmy, reflecting on the cycles of pain that have shaped their lives. As seasons pass, Lily immerses herself in her flower shop and the nurturing of her daughter until fate leads her to another encounter with Atlas, reigniting the unspoken tension that lingers between them, hinting at the rich tapestry of their intertwined destinies.

Timeline


Return to Plethora

Lily Bloom returns to her hometown of Plethora, Maine, burdened by the grief of losing her father, Andrew. The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow as she steps into her mother's home, where they both must confront their shared loss.

Plethora, Maine

The Funeral

At Andrew's funeral, Lily grapples with her emotions while attempting to deliver a eulogy. Overwhelmed by grief, she ultimately retreats from the microphone, illustrating the complexity of their relationship and her struggle to find the right words.

Funeral Home, Plethora

Meeting Ryle in Boston

Seeking solace, Lily travels to Boston, where she meets Ryle Kincaid, a frustrated neurosurgeon, on a rooftop. Their meeting is marked by tension as Ryle expresses his frustrations and Lily reveals her dream of opening a flower shop.

Rooftop, Boston

First Love Recollection

During their conversation, Lily reminisces about her first love, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy who touched her heart during high school. Their connection is interrupted by Ryle's work-related phone call, creating a momentary barrier between them.

Rooftop, Boston

Flashback to Atlas

In a flashback to the mid-2000s, young Lily observes Atlas rummaging through trash for food, showcasing the beginnings of their relationship. This moment highlights Lily's compassionate nature as she starts nurturing a bond with Atlas despite their different backgrounds.

Mid-2000s Plethora, Maine

Launch of the Flower Shop

In the current timeline, Lily receives the keys to her new flower shop, marking the start of her fresh journey in life. She partners with Allysa, and together they transform the shop into a vibrant space that reflects Lily's aspirations.

Flower Shop, Boston

Evening Gathering

Allysa invites her husband Marshall and Ryle to an evening gathering, where Ryle’s interest in Lily becomes increasingly apparent. Throughout the night, his thoughtful gestures intensify the burgeoning connection between him and Lily.

Allysa's Home

Garden Confessions

Another flashback reveals a tender moment in Lily's garden where she confides in Atlas about the abuse her mother Jenny suffers from Andrew. This pivotal conversation deepens their connection and highlights the challenges Lily faces in her family dynamics.

Lily's Garden, Plethora

Crossing Boundaries

During an exuberant party at Allysa’s, Lily and Ryle find themselves in a charged moment in Ryle's apartment. However, despite their chemistry, Lily remains steadfast in her decision to not escalate their physical relationship.

Ryle's Apartment

Ryle's Proposal

After clarifying the boundaries in their relationship, Ryle sincerely asks Lily to date him. Although hesitant, Lily's feelings for Ryle begin to blossom, intertwining with her unresolved memories of Atlas.

Boston

Reintroducing Ryle to Family

When Lily introduces Ryle to her family at a restaurant, she is confronted with the surprising revelation of Atlas's presence in her past. The gathering is filled with joy but shadowed by unresolved emotions related to her upbringing.

Restaurant, Boston

An Accident at Home

A sudden accident at home involves Ryle and serves as a grim reminder of his volatile nature. This incident exacerbates Lily's concerns about their relationship and leads her to reflect on the potential dangers of their bond.

Lily's Home

Confiding in Allysa

Lily opens up to Allysa about Ryle's troubling tendencies, revealing the emotional scars he carries. This moment elevates the stakes for Lily as she struggles to navigate her growing feelings amidst the chaos.

Allysa's Home

Embracing Independence

Facing the reality of her situation, Lily resolves to break free from the cycle of abuse by filing for divorce from Ryle. With the words 'It ends with us,' she fights to protect her daughter Emmy from the damaging legacy of her family.

Visiting Andrew's Grave

In a closing scene, Lily visits her father's grave with her mother and Emmy, reflecting on the patterns of pain that have impacted their lives. The narrative concludes with Lily finding solace in her flower shop while hinting at a rekindled connection with Atlas.

Cemetery, Plethora

Characters


Lily Bloom

Lily is portrayed as a resilient and compassionate individual grappling with her past while striving for a brighter future. She shows immense growth as she navigates complex emotions from her relationships with Ryle and Atlas, ultimately choosing to prioritise her daughter’s well-being over personal turmoil.

🌼 Strong-willed 💔 Resilient

Ryle Kincaid

Ryle is a handsome and talented neurosurgeon, but he struggles with controlling his emotions, leading to a tumultuous relationship with Lily. His interest in her fluctuates between affection and possessiveness, revealing deep-seated insecurities that stem from his past experience.

⚠️ Volatile 💼 Ambitious

Atlas Corrigan

Atlas is introduced as Lily's first love, a character marked by his challenging background and their shared history. He represents a connection to Lily's past, embodying both the innocence of youth and the complexities of love that continues to influence her choices as an adult.

❤️ First Love 🏠 Homeless

Jenny Bloom

Jenny, Lily's mother, is portrayed as a victim of abuse, significant in shaping Lily’s understanding of relationships. Her experiences serve as a cautionary tale for Lily, influencing her decisions and the cycles she is determined to break.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 💔 Sorrow

Allysa

Allysa emerges as a supportive friend to Lily, providing camaraderie and encouragement as they work together on the flower shop. Her vibrant personality stands in contrast to the darker themes of the film, representing hope and friendship.

💖 Friendship 🌈 Supportive

Setting


Time period

mid-2000s, present day

The story shifts between the mid-2000s and the present day, reflecting on the formative moments of Lily's youth while illustrating her current struggles. The mid-2000s provide a backdrop for Lily’s first love with Atlas, showcasing the innocence and complexity of their connection. The present day emphasizes Lily's journey towards independence and healing amid familial and romantic challenges.

Location

Plethora, Maine, Boston

Plethora, Maine, is a small town that embodies a sense of nostalgia and personal history for Lily Bloom. It's here that she confronts her grief and familial ties. In contrast, Boston represents a bustling urban environment filled with opportunities and new beginnings, where Lily's aspirations of opening her flower shop come to life.

🏞️ Nature 🏙️ City

Themes


🌹

Love & Healing

The theme of love intertwines with healing throughout Lily's journey. Her relationships with Atlas and Ryle explore the complexities of love, underscored by past traumas and the desire for a better future. Ultimately, Lily learns to prioritize self-love and the well-being of her daughter, Emmy, breaking the cycle of generational pain.

⚖️

Abuse & Independence

The film bravely tackles the theme of abuse and the quest for independence. Lily's struggle against the abusive patterns in her family history guides her decisions as she navigates her relationships. By declaring 'It ends with us,' she asserts her determination to protect Emmy and establish a healthier future, confronting the cycles of abuse that have impacted her life.

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