by Christos Zabounis

The film cost $25 million and has grossed, as of this writing, over $350 million. It premiered on August 6, 2024 in America, and became a worldwide success, without much publicity, but also without having anything special to offer, at least to moviegoers. It is a romantic comedy similar to the dozens that Hollywood produces day and night. Some cite the presence of Blake Lively (“Gossip Girls”, “Café Society”, “A Simple Favor”) as the generative cause of the audience’s attendance. Others focus on the interesting love story between a heart surgeon and a florist, inspired by the book of the same name by Coleen Hoover. Finally, there are many who refer to the strange chemistry that is evident between the two protagonists. The male role is played by Justin Baldoni. I read at an unsuspecting time, in December 2024, in the reputable “Kathimerini”, the following news: “Blake Lively: Sues her co-star Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment”. Two months later, and a dozen lawsuits and lawsuits from both sides, I discover that the sexual harassment consists, according to the complainant’s legal team, in Baldoni leaning forward and slowly dragging his lips from her ear and down her neck, as he told her that “you smell so good”. The case is, of course, more complicated given Lively’s intention to secure the rights to Hoover’s new book. The previous one had been closed by Baldoni. With the #metoo movement seemingly rationalizing, the initial hysteria has given way to a more measured handling of similar incidents. Perhaps the title of the play is prophetic: “It Ends with Us.”