Some movies have hidden depths. Others seem to be heading in an obvious direction. The new film It Ends With Us falls into the latter category, especially with a marketing campaign and a trailer the seem to give the plot away in detail.

The film is based on the book from Colleen Hoover. It follows Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman who has come to Boston trying to heal and move forward. There, she soon has a chance encounter with Ryle (Justin Baldoni), a doctor with whom she shares a spark. But it seems like a chance meeting that is in the past.

Lily focuses on opening her flower store, connecting with a local resident Allysa (Jenny Slate), who becomes her fast friend and co-worker. When Allysa turns out to be Ryle’s sister, Lily’s chance encounter blooms into romance. Along the way, while out at a hot local restaurant, Lily encounters Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), a blast from her past who brings up complicated feelings and memories.

Their encounter also brings up tensions with Ryle, who has a darker side to his personality. All of it brings up painful memories for Lily, especially as she looks back on memories with her abusive father (Kevin McKidd). All that forces Lily to make a decision about what she wants and who she wants to be moving forward.

This story touches on some painful subjects, which as oft been controversial for those who read the book. The film tones down some of the edges of the book while maintaining the story. It doesn’t glamorize its topic but handles it all with a deft hand.

The film was directed by Baldoni, who brings a dangerous intensity to his role and his scenes with Lily. Those are often uncomfortable to watch, especially as audiences who read the book or saw any of the marketing know where it’s all leading. It’s also one of the pieces that doesn’t work. Ryle is an intense character from the jump and without some of the length and depth of the novel it’s hard to buy into the romance with Lily.

Given that lack of pop and the lack of mystery in the plot, there are swaths of the film that feel uncomfortable and drag. By contrast, the flashback sequences that show a young Lily and Atlas build mood, and some of the latter sequences in the film are emotional and powerful, especially as Lily connects with Atlas, makes a new connection with her mother, and finds her own strength as she moves forward.

I also enjoyed Slate and Hassan Minhaj, who plays Allysa’s husband. They bring some fun and levity to the film. But Slate also has some strong, emotional sequences with Lively that work well.

Overall, the film will likely be a hit with fans of the book and serves as a decent date movie and some counterprogramming to much of what is now in theaters. It’s not incredible but the solid look and feel combined with some poignant moments are enough to make it enjoyable.

It Ends With Us is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.