Trigger Warnings: Domestic Abuse, Physical Abuse, Attempted Rape

Escaping an abusive relationship is challenging. On average, it takes seven attempts before a person successfully leaves. In the recently released film It Ends With Us, main character Lily Bloom breaks free in just one attempt, a contrast that sparked both anticipation and scepticism in me as an advocate against gendered violence.

It Ends With Us follows a young florist, Lily, who has witnessed her father's abuse toward her mother throughout her childhood. As she enters a romantic relationship, she begins to recognise  troubling parallels between her father’s behaviour  and her husband Ryle’s. This realisation  compels her to confront the cycle of abuse.

One of my major concerns with the film is its misleading content warnings. The lack of explicit alerts about the graphic nature of abuse depicted may leave young viewers unprepared for the film's heavy themes. The marketing campaign, which focused on light-hearted elements — urging viewers to “grab your friends, wear your florals”— feels particularly jarring. For a film that deals with such serious issues, this promotional approach risks underestimating the emotional weight carried by both victim-survivors and those unaware of the films focus on domestic violence.

However, the film does manage to depict physical abuse with a degree of sensitivity. The initial scenes are swift and disorienting, echoing the confusion often felt by those in abusive situations. Flashbacks contrasting Lily and Ryle’s relationship with her parents’ marriage provide poignant insight into how domestic violence can look from the outside, versus the emotional turmoil experienced within.

The film effectively demonstrates that victims can come from any background, even those who appear successful and privileged. It illustrates how love, especially when rooted in trauma bonding, can mask deeper issues. Lily's reactions—confusion, shock, and defensiveness—are portrayed with nuance, allowing the audience to grapple with their understanding of her circumstances until the truth becomes undeniable.

Despite these strengths, the film's portrayal of Lily’s journey as she attempts to leave Ryle lacks depth. The aftermath of leaving an abuser is often fraught with danger, harassment, and manipulation—elements the film glosses over. Significant events, like her pregnancy, are rushed through, missing the complexities and risks that often accompany such life changes.

It Ends With Us fails to adequately address the dangers of post-separation abuse, where victim-survivors frequently face continued threats from their abuser. This could have been an opportunity to educate audiences on the ongoing challenges that victim-survivors face, emphasising the necessity for comprehensive support beyond just leaving the relationship.

While the film raises valuable awareness about domestic violence, it risks downplaying the severity of the issue by not fully exploring the dangers that often persist after leaving an abusive relationship.Sensitive and accurate portrayals of gendered violence are crucial, as they not only shed light on the complexities of such issues but can also foster understanding, empathy, and meaningful change when handled with care and authenticity.

- Written by Brianna Maltman, Leadership team member