Blake Lively is overflowing with gratitude as she thanks fans for their enthusiastic support of her latest film, It Ends With Us. The movie, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has made a powerful impact with a $50 million opening weekend at the domestic box office. In the film, Lively portrays Lily Bloom, a woman navigating the complexities of an abusive relationship and finding the strength to break free.
On August 13, 2024, Lively took to Instagram Stories to express her appreciation for the positive reception of the film. “Thank you to everyone who came out to show that people WANT to see films about women, and the multitudes we hold,” she wrote. Lively emphasized that It Ends With Us is not just a film but a portrayal of the full spectrum of the female experience—its highs, lows, and everything in between.
“We are so proud of it,” Lively continued. “We have been in celebration of this film and of getting a message so important out there to the masses.” She also shared a heartfelt message with her followers, saying, “Thank you all for embracing It Ends With Us with the same love, pain, and joy we had sharing it with you all.”
The film’s premiere at the London event on August 8 featured Lively discussing its themes in a red-carpet interview. She explained to BBC, “The movie covers domestic violence, but what’s important is that she is not just a survivor and not just a victim. She defines herself beyond her experiences.”
Lively’s message highlights the film’s aim to empower and inspire. She elaborated, “I really feel like we delivered a story that’s emotional and it’s fun and it’s funny and it’s painful and it’s scary and it’s tragic and it’s inspiring. And that’s what life is.”
In addition to her message of gratitude, Lively used her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence. She shared resources for survivors, including the CDC statistic that 1 in 4 adult women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. Lively wrote, “Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States.”
She urged those in need to reach out for help, providing links to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and text support services. “Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence,” Lively emphasized.
Directed by Justin Baldoni, who also stars in the film, It Ends With Us presents a nuanced portrayal of domestic violence. Baldoni shared with Variety his hopes for the film’s impact, especially on men. “My hope was that this is a film that could help somebody who was on the path to becoming a Ryle,” he said, referring to his character. “Trauma doesn’t discriminate. And men are also victims of domestic violence.”
With its compelling narrative and strong performances, It Ends With Us continues to resonate with audiences, offering both entertainment and crucial conversation about important social issues.
