It Ends With Us Parents Guide: Understanding the PG-13 Rating for the Blake Lively Film
The recent film “It Ends With Us,” starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, has taken the box office by storm since its release in August 2024. This adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel has also been surrounded by considerable controversy and behind-the-scenes drama leading to legal disputes. For those unfamiliar with the film, it’s important to ask: What is “It Ends With Us” really about, and is it appropriate for younger viewers? Spoiler alert: it’s not.
At the center of the story is Lily Blossom Bloom, beautifully portrayed by Lively, who aspires to open a flower shop in Boston. One fateful night, while unwinding on a rooftop, she meets the enigmatic neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni, who also directs the film. Their chemistry ignites quickly, but an unfortunate cooking incident throws everything into chaos, forcing Lily to weigh her commitment to Ryle against rekindling her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Atlas Corrigan, played by Brandon Sklenar.
So, why is this film not suitable for a family viewing? There are several significant reasons to consider. Hoover’s works delve into adult themes, and “It Ends With Us” is no exception. The film includes some mild profanity, but it’s the explicit portrayals of domestic violence and sexual situations that justify its PG-13 rating, making it inappropriate for younger audiences.
Early in their relationship, Ryle’s feelings for Lily become intense, leading her to don a revealing outfit at a party to attract his attention. Their romance quickly escalates, but it doesn’t take long for the narrative to take a darker turn. A flashback reveals young Lily’s harrowing encounter with her abusive father, who brutally beats Atlas when he finds them in a compromising situation. As adult Lily experiences similar violence from Ryle, including emotional manipulation and physical assaults, the film starkly presents the cycle of abuse that many struggle to escape.
The first instances of Ryle’s physical aggression appear to be accidents, but the truth unfolds sinisterly. The turning points in their relationship emphasize a chilling reality: Ryle is not just a troubled man; he is a perpetrator of violence. As tensions flare, the situation escalates to a near sexual assault, forcing Lily to confront her dire circumstances and take decisive action.
The title, “It Ends With Us,” encapsulates Lily’s determination to halt the cycle of abuse, particularly for her daughter, Emerson. Following a traumatic series of events, including realizing her pregnancy with Ryle, Lily resolves to separate herself from him, culminating in her request for a divorce.
Despite its success at the box office, the future of a sequel seems unlikely. Lively and Baldoni are currently embroiled in legal battles against each other, stemming from allegations of harassment and claims of a hostile work atmosphere during filming. On the literary side, Hoover did publish a sequel called “It Starts With Us,” focusing on Lily and Atlas’s challenges as they navigate a relationship amid lingering complications from the past.
While there’s speculation that Lively could take the reins on directing a potential adaptation of the sequel, the ongoing legal issues suggest that collaboration between the two stars is improbable.
“It Ends With Us” carries a PG-13 rating and is now available for streaming. If you or someone you know is facing issues with domestic violence, support is available. You can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for assistance. For victims of sexual assault, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network provides resources and support through their national helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
