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Lot of potential here but as someone who lived through A LOT of domestic violence situations, watching Hollywood make it artsy so mainstream audiences can "handle it" to me really misses the mark of helping people understand what it feels like. I really enjoyed what this film tried to do but do not feel like it translated well to the big screen. Sure they were attempting to show gaslighting and whatnot, but I think you, the audience should have felt more powerful emotional response to what you were witnessing. I think we needed to hear more of the pain vs the silent flashbacks. Perhaps this could of been a part 1 and part 2 where in part 1 we stay in lillys high school years and learn more about her unstable home life and get a chance to bond with the character. Just wanted more than the film gave. At least it's creating an important narrative that isn't option talked about. Its a start...

If I were Justin Baldoni I would redo the film without Blake. She was not a good fit for Lily. When you have a book that centres around domestic violence you really need to have the characters playing them believable and Blake was definitely not believable. She couldn't even promote the film properly. What does that tell you.

It's also so very sad to watch everything that is going on in the media right now, concerning this film and all the players. Not only have they tarnished their own careers but everyone else involved as well. No one wants to hear about a he said she said kind of argument. I get it that there is a lot at stake but to what cost. Like I said, Justin Baldoni... you need to recast this film and put it back out there.

The film itself is great. Most actors did their part well. There are some twists in the way story is told, though it isn't difficult to guess where it was going.

The only thing that really bothered me was the character of Lily Bloom. Oh my god, Blake Lively has seriously ruined some scenes. Her acting was too cringe and annoying boring rather than bad... she made me feel like some part of the Gossip Girls were put in there randomly. Not sure why they picked her for the female lead as there are so many other talented actresses out there, who could made much much more impact portraying Bloom, like Margaret Qualley?!

In a few words: great message, stunning visuals, and impressive videography. However, the plot feels one-dimensional, as does the character of Lily, who lacks the depth needed to make her truly relatable or memorable. Sure, we're shown her trauma and backstory, but it doesn't fully draw you in or create a genuine emotional connection. It feels like there's a disconnect, as if her struggles are presented more as a narrative requirement than as a lived experience, making it hard to truly immerse yourself in her journey.

The narrative structure also falls flat at times, creating a sense of frustration as it hints at greater potential that it never fully explores.

I honestly feel the hate this movie is getting is unwarranted. I personally wouldn't nominate it for any awards, but I enjoyed watching it. I read the book and I felt it was pretty true to the original story. At no point did I roll my eyes due to poor writing - nothing in the writing was distractingly bad. I also think the actors all did a good job. I didn't want to like the actor who played Ryle, but I came around to him. The casting was honestly pretty perfect. I am a Blake Lively fan, and I feel she performed just as well in this as she usually does. I would say I got exactly what I expected from this movie, and nothing more or less.