The adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller with Blake Lively convincing as Lily Bloom

The eponymous book by American writer Colleen Hoover, “Nevermore”, has sold more than a million copies worldwide, thanks in part to “BookTok”, the TikTok app community focused on books and literature.

It is the second best-selling novel in France during the year 2023. And the literary phenomenon released in 2026 is coming to the big screen. The film adaptation of Never again (It Ends With Us in the original version) by American author Colleen Hoover will be released in theaters on Wednesday, August 14.

The film is directed by Justin Baldoni and stars Blake Lively. Much like the novel, the story revolves around a toxic relationship, domestic violence, and a complicated love triangle.

Lily Bloom, the heroine of the book, played by Blake Lively (known for her roles in the series Gossip Girl or the movie Adaline), is a young American woman who, after a childhood marked by domestic violence, finds the strength to move to Boston to realize her dream: opening her own flower shop. Lily then meets Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni, a seductive and charismatic neurosurgeon. Their meeting quickly leads to a passionate relationship, which will go wrong.

On the one hand, because Ryle hides a much darker and more violent personality that reminds him of his parents’ relationship, and on the other hand, because his first love, Atlas Corrigan, played by Brandon Sklenar, (known for his roles in Mapplethorpe And Vice), will suddenly resurface in his life.

While some readers weren’t exactly thrilled with the casting choice, a key element of the film is Blake Lively as Lily Bloom. The book’s author, Colleen Hoover, explains that the force “the most impressive” of the actress is “his ability to convey his character’s internal conflicts and external challenges with such nuance and subtlety”.

Blake Lively brings a new perspective to Lilly Bloom, a certain perspective on situations and a maturity and vulnerability. We feel her happiness at the opening of her boutique and we feel her discomfort and fear in the face of her partner’s toxic and violent behavior.

Justin Baldoni, who wears the double hat of actor/director in this film, praises the way Lively plays Lily: “Strong, funny and intelligent, everything you would expect from a female heroine“.

The book was the subject of much controversy when it was released due to its treatment of unhealthy relationships. The story is presented as a love triangle between Lily, Ryle, and Atlas. This presentation is misleading. The bulk of the book focuses on the relationship between Lily and Ryle, which gradually becomes toxic, leading to Ryle physically abusing Lily. The story progresses slowly enough that readers are surprised to discover Ryle’s true character.

In addition, author Colleen Hoover had been the subject of much criticism following her idea for a coloring book inspired by her own book. This derivative product of the star of readers Young Adults has, against all expectations, encountered strong resistance. Very strong. And for good reason: critics have pointed out the author’s greed and enrichment, surfing on the delicate issue of domestic violence.

For this adaptation, Justin Baldoni’s careful direction could hide the problems present in the book. This feature film is already announced as the romance of the summer, with its romantic poster and trailer, but it is important to remember that it is above all, despite the marketing and the excitement of some readers, the story of toxic relationships and domestic violence.

It may be interesting to see it to discover the Hoover universe through the prism of Justin Baldoni, who is making this film his very first directorial effort. However, for all those who had criticisms of the book, they may well find them on the big screen.

Gender : Drama/Romantic Drama
Director: Justin Baldoni
Actors: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar
Country : UNITED STATES
Duration : 2h10
Exit : August 14 2024
Distributer : Sony Pictures
Synopsis : Lily Bloom overcomes a traumatic childhood and decides to make a fresh start in Boston and pursue her lifelong dream of opening her own flower shop. A chance encounter with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid sparks an intense relationship, but as the two fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see aspects of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship. When Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan, suddenly reappears in her life, her relationship with Ryle is turned upside down.