7 Movies to Watch After It Ends With Us

As a woman who has navigated through the complexities of love and relationships, I found immense resonance in these films. They beautifully capture the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations that define our romantic journeys. Each story offers a unique perspective, but they all share one common thread: the human spirit’s resilience to heal and move forward despite heartaches.

In 2024, the much-anticipated film “It Ends with Us,” starring Blake Lively, was one of the most talked-about productions. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 90% audience approval rating. This movie is adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel and tells the story of Lily Bloom, who believes she’s found her soulmate in neurosurgeon Ryle (played by Justin Baldoni). However, as their relationship deepens, it begins to resemble her parents’ toxic one – a pattern she vowed never to repeat. As old wounds resurface, Lily is confronted with a difficult choice when she crosses paths with her first love, Atlas (portrayed by Brandon Sklenar): should she stay in the tumultuous relationship with Ryle or break free?

As a cinephile, I must admit, “It Ends With Us” skillfully leveraged the hype surrounding its release, which coincided quite neatly with the unveiling of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” In fact, Ryan Reynolds, my esteemed colleague, couldn’t resist joining in the fun, adding a dash of playful banter to the promotional fray.

Fair Play

2023’s “Fair Play” is a movie that has garnered significant acclaim from critics. This suspenseful tale revolves around Emily (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich), a couple who share a workplace at a finance firm. Their relationship becomes complicated when it violates company regulations. The plot thickens as Emily eventually gets promoted, which alters the dynamics of their romance, leading it towards a destructive and abusive phase, with Luke harboring resentment that Emily doesn’t deserve her new position.

The movie delves deeply into clashes of ego, particularly those between males and females, exploring power dynamics and the harmful influence of professional commitments on personal connections.

Fair Play is available to stream on Netflix.

Marriage Story

“Marriage Story” – Released in 2019 and 2020, this critically acclaimed film garnered numerous award nominations such as the Golden Globe and Oscars. The narrative focuses on the heartrending tale of Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and her spouse Charlie (Adam Driver), who find themselves navigating a divorce. As complications arise, particularly when Nicole reconsiders her initial decision to forgo legal representation during their separation, guided by divorce advisor Nora Fanshaw (Laura Dern).

Noah Baumbach, who’s also known for collaborating on the script for “Barbie,” directs this poignant drama that offers viewers an insightful, external viewpoint on the highs and lows of a relationship. The story begins with the couple’s choice to part ways and delves into the intricate feelings and obstacles encountered during the separation process.

Marriage Story is available to stream on Netflix.

Safe Haven

2013’s film titled “Safe Haven” revolves around a woman named Katie (played by Julianne Hough). She shows up in the peaceful town of Southport, South Carolina, sparking curiosity among neighbors due to her mysterious background and aloof nature. Eventually, she encounters Alex (Josh Duhamel), a widower with two kids, and they develop feelings for each other. As Katie gets closer to his family, she must deal with the shadows of a tumultuous past that gradually surface.

This narrative, similar to the acclaimed work by author Nicholas Sparks, delves into the journey of overcoming and finding strength after traumatic encounters involving abuse.

Safe Haven is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Sleeping with the Enemy

The 1991 movie “Sleeping with the Enemy” isn’t your typical drama, but rather it has elements of a thriller. Starring Julia Roberts as Sara and Patrick Bergin as Martin, this film portrays their seemingly successful marriage. However, beneath the surface lies a harrowing truth: domestic abuse. To free herself from this torment, Sara orchestrates her own death and assumes a new identity in another city. There she meets Ben (played by Kevin Anderson), whom she eventually falls for. Unfortunately, Martin discovers that Sara is alive and sets out to find her.

In the novel “It Ends with Us“, the character finds herself grappling with the dilemma of leaving her spouse, doubting her decisions, and dealing with the repercussions of her history.

Sleeping with the Enemy is available to stream on Disney+.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2004’s beloved film, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” narrates a failed relationship that repeatedly tries to mend. In this story, Clementine (played by Kate Winslet) chooses to erase all recollections of her ex-boyfriend Joel (Jim Carrey), using an experimental process. This leaves Joel, who is still smitten with her, in a state of melancholy. However, he eventually opts for the same treatment. In an unusual twist, Joel starts to preserve Clementine in memories where she doesn’t belong.

This movie really strikes a chord, as it depicts the profound grieving experience following a complex and passionate romance.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is available to stream on Netflix.

Blue Valentine

Blue Valentine” is a 2010 movie that chronicles the lives of a couple, Cindy (played by Michelle Williams) and Dean (Ryan Gosling), who are married with a child. Over time, they encounter a significant challenge that stirs doubts and uncertainties within them, largely due to factors such as lack of drive and self-absorption. In an attempt to tackle these issues, they strive to retrace the tale that initially bound them, aiming to find solutions in their shared past.

Similar to “Marriage Story,” this movie delves into the complexities and progression of a romantic partnership. It portrays the chase for love and the weariness that ensues, as well as its peaks and valleys, at its core.

Blue Valentine is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

A Star Is Born

In 2018, the latest adaptation of “A Star Is Born” – a film that garnered both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, even taking home an award for Best Original Song – was released. This musical tale chronicles the life of musician Jackson Maine (portrayed by Bradley Cooper), who is basking in the limelight of his success when he encounters Ally (Lady Gaga), a restaurant singer struggling with self-doubt. Impressed by her raw talent, Jackson supports Ally’s ascent to fame, but simultaneously battles alcohol addiction, ultimately leading to their separation.

This heart-wrenching tale of love serves to underscore the hurdles that can arise in relationships as a result of individual and emotional struggles, much like the novel “It Ends with Us“.

A Star Is Born is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

2024-12-21 16:09