Colleen Hoover’s novels have been a source of comfort for many during the pandemic, offering a escape from the stresses of everyday life. It’s no surprise then that fans were thrilled when it was announced that her novel It Ends With Us would be adapted into a movie, with Blake Lively taking on the lead role of Lily Bloom. However, the movie’s marketing campaign has been criticized for being misleading, failing to include a trigger warning for the film’s dark and disturbing themes of domestic violence. This oversight has left many viewers feeling shocked and disturbed by the content, which is a far cry from the romance film that was promised.
Despite this controversy, It Ends With Us remains a deeply personal and honest portrayal of the devastating effects of abuse on individuals and relationships. Hoover’s own experiences with her parents’ tumultuous marriage and her father’s abuse towards her mother are woven throughout the story, making it a powerful and relatable exploration of the human experience. In an interview, Hoover revealed that she was inspired by her mother’s relationship with her father, specifically her father’s abuse towards her mother, in crafting the story of Lily and Ryle. The parallels between the two relationships are striking, with Lily and Ryle’s abusive dynamic eerily echoing the patterns of Hoover’s own childhood.
Colleen Hoover (Image via Getty)
Hoover has been vocal about the painful memories and emotions she drew upon while writing the book, describing it as a grueling and emotionally draining experience. The author’s note at the end of the book provides a poignant backstory, detailing her earliest memories of witnessing her father’s abuse towards her mother, as well as her own struggles to come to terms with the trauma she experienced. Hoover’s dedication to telling her mother’s story with honesty and compassion is evident throughout the book, and it’s a testament to her bravery as a writer that she was willing to confront such difficult emotions and experiences head-on. Despite the controversy surrounding the movie’s marketing, It Ends With Us remains a powerful and important work that sheds light on the devastating effects of abuse and celebrates the strength and resilience of survivors.
