Colleen Hoover enthusiastically praises Blake Lively’s complex performance in the It ends with us.
The upcoming romantic drama marks the first screen adaptation of one of Hoover’s blockbusters. The author tells PEOPLE the process was “absolutely amazing and surreal.”
“Everyone involved was so dedicated to making this adaptation as faithful and honest as possible,” says Hoover, who also executive produced the film. “It was a real team effort and I can’t wait for those who loved the book to see the movie and experience the magic they created on the big screen.”
Blake Lively in the movie “It Ends With Us”.
Nicole Rivelli/SONY IMAGES
A key part of that magic is Lively as Lily Bloom, a woman starting her own business in Boston who begins a volatile relationship with a charismatic neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni share an emotional first look It ends with us (Exclusive)
Hoover says Lively, 36, gives a “stunning, captivating and emotional” performance.
“There are no words to describe her phenomenal talent,” says Hoover. “Blake Lively truly brought Lily Bloom to life in a way that exceeded all my expectations.”
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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in “It Ends with Us”.
Nicole Rivelli
“When I was writing Lily’s character, I thought I had a pretty solid picture in mind,” she adds, “but Blake’s portrayal added so much depth and complexity to the character that I didn’t anticipate.”
Hoover explains that the “most impressive” part of the actress is “her ability to convey her character’s inner conflicts and outer challenges with such nuance and subtlety.”
I am truly amazed, says the author. “I couldn’t be more grateful for her incredible performance.”
‘It’s Over With Us’ Cast: Here’s Who Plays Lily, Ryle and Atlas in the Film Adaptation
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Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in the movie “It Ends With Us”.
Nicole Rivelli
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Justin Baldoni stars as Ryle alongside Lively and is also the director It ends with us. He applauds Lively’s take on Lily as “strong, witty and intelligent — everything you want in a heroine.”
“I think people are going to be blown away by her portrayal of Lily,” Baldoni, 40, tells PEOPLE. “It’s so nuanced, it’s so unique, it’s so beautiful. I don’t want to give too much away, but I believe it’s Blake Lively like you’ve never seen before.”
Baldoni adds that “it was not part of this production [Lively] she didn’t touch and have any influence on it.” And, she says, “everything she touched with her hands and her mind, she improved.”
Colleen Hoover’s 26 books, in chronological order
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Jenny Slate and Blake Lively in “It Ends With Us.”
Sony pictures
Eight years since then It ends with us was first released, Hoover says she “definitely felt so much while watching the adaptation.”
“The movie experience adds another layer to the connection readers already have with the characters,” she says. “The power of visual storytelling is undeniable and can evoke even stronger emotions and empathy in the audience by bringing a sense of immediacy and intensity to the story.”
Lively says she hopes her love for the character and the material will come through.
“Lily resonated with a huge amount of people, which the book’s success clearly demonstrated,” says the star. “It’s an honor to take on the role of a character who has had such a significant impact. I loved Lily and I hope that those who care about her as much as I do feel that love, but also those who meet her for the first time in this film.”
It ends with us it’s in theaters on August 9.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education