When I saw a preview screening of the It Ends With Us movie, I went in totally blind. I knew nothing about the Colleen Hoover book, had not watched any interviews nor seen clips from the film and had only seen the trailer briefly. That said, I really enjoyed the film. However, it seems book readers are divided.

It Ends With Us Review From a Non Book Reader

Here’s what I said in my video review posted on social media:

“Please note, non book reader and I went into this film not knowing anything – which is actually how I enjoy going into movies now. Because if you’re watching the talk shows and you’re seeing the trailer over and over, you feel like you’ve seen most of the film. So I try to avoid things as much as I can. Again, not a book reader, but I felt like the script was adapted very well for the screen. There were some good twists. I didn’t know exactly where things were going which is always a nice change. Also really enjoyed the casting of both the younger and older versions of the characters. And I loved the costume design.”

Recognizing that I have a different view since I didn’t read the book, I asked book readers to share their thoughts.

Here are a few perspectives and thoughts from book readers:

“I loved the book so much and felt the movie was a bit disappointing. I love Blake, the acting was great and the characters looked how I pictured them when I read the book but it felt rushed and they left out so many important scenes. They also changed too many things but if you didn’t read the book I think it’s still a good movie.” – IG user @thereal_adri

“I read the book last week and I fear that was my downfall – I was just sitting there comparing the two the entire time and like … that’s annoying why was I doing that?! lol” – IG user @shelbysorrel

“Having read the book and seen the movie. It’s perfection.” – IG user @msrheinlander

“Read the book. Loved it. Saw the movie. OBSESSED!” – TikTok user Christy Beasley

“Did not like the book. And the film does not do justice to abused women.” – TikTok user Blah blah blah 22

Important note:

A user on TikTok inquired about the PG-13 rating, asking if she could take her 16-year-old daughter to see it.

Obviously, there are adult themes, but there’s no nudity. The love scenes are tame, and even the abuse is not super graphic.

I personally did not think they romanticized abuse but it sounds like the book was very different than the film is this aspect.

It Ends With Us opens in theaters August 9, 2024.

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