Mayhem at the Movies

By Amanda Piel

Photo by Jeff Spicer (Getty Images for Song Pictures)

Controversial author Colleen Hoover recently released the movie adaptation of her book for the big screen. It Ends with Us has gained a lot of attention due to the clash between the marketing and the actual themes present in the story. Pink flowers, like those found on the cover, don’t exactly scream domestic violence.

The feelings that most romance movies evoke are happiness or nostalgia. Confusion and disgust are atypical reactions when it comes to movies that are supposed to be focused on love.

When asked what she thought about the movie, senior Elsie Copp replied, “It was–I don’t know.” She continued by saying that the movie was true to the book, being equally as intense. 

While the film adaptation was able to cover up Hoover’s unfinished writing style, it could not change the core of the story nor the way the author wanted it to be marketed. In Hoover’s mind, her words made up a love story. While a true element of romance does exist between the covers of her book, it is detracted from due to the presence of Ryle Kincaid, who abuses and marries Lily Bloom. Atlas Corrigan, the love interest we’re meant to root for, lacks relevance in the story unless mentioned by his past with Lily Bloom. This makes the story seem like it is centered around Ryle Kincaid since it begins when Lily meets him and ends when she leaves him.

Such stories can be told acceptably when treated with delicacy. It Ends with Us, however, tried to turn domestic violence into a plot point meant only to keep readers interested. Despite all this, Colleen Hoover’s fan base continues to grow. While lacking the ability to write about touchy subjects without offending people, Colleen Hoover does know how to generate feelings which spark interest; even if they are of uneasiness and distaste.