‘A Double Bottom Line’: Justin Baldoni Hopes It Ends With Us To Help People Who Are ‘In A Similar Situation To Lily’

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As a passionate admirer of Justin Baldoni’s work, I find myself deeply moved by his unwavering dedication to using his platform for impactful storytelling. His latest project, It Ends With Us, is a testament to this commitment, as he aims not for box office glory but to touch hearts and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most – victims of abusive relationships.

Justin Baldoni, both director and star in the movie version of It Ends With Us alongside Blake Lively, desires this film to resonate deeply within people’s hearts rather than merely making a big impact on box office numbers. The story tackles a poignant and pervasive theme revolving around abusive relationships, where Blake Lively’s character Lily Bloom grapples with escaping from the destructive cycle. However, [spoiler alert] she eventually finds the strength to break free.

As a die-hard fan, I’m here to share the passionate words of Baldoni: His ultimate goal for this film is to leave an indelible mark on viewers, so profound that they won’t want to return home after watching it with their friends. This overlooked measure of a movie’s success, he believes, is often ignored, but it holds immense significance in his creative process.

Baldoni shared that while a successful film is certainly beneficial, for him and Wayfarer Studios, it’s more about finding “that one person who identifies with Lily’s situation.” If anyone in the audience who has experienced domestic violence finds inspiration in Lily’s choice, that would be their greatest achievement. He further explained that this mission serves as a “double purpose,” or in other words, a win-win situation.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can share that during the filming of a project, much like the one I worked on as an actor in Jane The Virgin, I found myself constantly reflecting on my daughter Maiya Grace. When she was born and I held her for the first time, it felt like I was reborn myself. And then when my son entered our family, each day has since felt like a mirror holding up my own reflection.

In addition, Lily finds newfound strength and courage to escape her abusive husband and build a brighter future for herself and her baby daughter. This transformation is portrayed in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, titled by the same name, which was brought to life by Christy Hall. The movie features performances from Baldoni, Lively, Isabela Ferrer, Brandon Sklenar, Alex Neustaedter, Jenny Slate, and Hasan Minhaj.

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2024-08-09 21:07