Will Lily Choose Atlas in ‘It Ends With Us’?

This article includes discussions of domestic violence and contains spoilers for the film It Ends With Us, along with the related novels It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us.

Revisiting Lily and Atlas: A Complicated Love Story

Lily and Atlas, former high school sweethearts, are brought back together in It Ends With Us. In the adaptation, Blake Lively portrays Lily, while Brandon Sklenar takes on the role of Atlas. Their reunion is anything but straightforward, primarily because Lily is entangled in a relationship with Ryle, which adds layers of conflict to their interactions.

Despite several adaptations from page to screen, the essence of Lily and Atlas’s connection remains intact in both the film and novels. As Lily grapple with the emotional and physical abuse from Ryle, she ultimately decides to leave him. Their paths cross once more at the conclusion of It Ends With Us, although it leaves viewers in suspense regarding the potential for romance between them after years apart. Thankfully, Colleen Hoover’s sequel, It Starts With Us, clarifies their journey forward.

Lily and Atlas: A New Beginning in the Sequel

Marriage and New Beginnings in It Starts With Us

Lily and Atlas walking together in Boston

In It Starts With Us, the romance between Lily and Atlas blossoms anew after their unexpected encounter. Given Lily’s prior tumultuous relationship with Ryle and the responsibilities of motherhood with her daughter Emerson, they choose to progress cautiously in their relationship. Initially, Lily fears that Atlas’s reentry into her life might provoke Ryle’s anger, complicating their situation further. Nevertheless, as the story unfolds, their romantic connection is reignited.

Atlas emerges as a steadfast partner for Lily, offering the emotional support she desperately needs, and he takes on the role of a positive male influence in Emerson’s life. Together, they confront their pasts and support one another through various challenges, ultimately leading up to a significant decision: they move in together and eventually marry, paving the way for a hopeful future.

Understanding Lily and Ryle’s Relationship in the Sequel

Joint Custody and Conflict in It Starts With Us

While the film adaptation takes a clear stand regarding Ryle’s involvement by excluding him from Emerson’s life, the novels provide a deeper exploration of his character. In the book, Lily’s fear of Ryle’s reactions when he learns about her relationship with Atlas is justified as he responds with anger, even resorting to physical aggression. This underscores the tense dynamics that persist, as Lily’s safety remains a concern due to their shared custody of Emerson.

As the narrative progresses, Ryle is portrayed seeking help, agreeing to attend anger management. A pivotal development occurs with the decision for Ryle to have only supervised visits with Emerson, signaling a step toward accountability and a safer environment for both Lily and her daughter.

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