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Justin Baldoni’s interest in masculinity did not begin with It Ends With Us. He had spoken publicly about men’s expectations and vulnerability years before directing the film and playing Ryle, the partner whose relationship with Lily Bloom becomes abusive. Baldoni has described his work on the film as an effort to protect Colleen Hoover’s story; that intention is distinct from whether viewers think the finished film handles domestic violence effectively.
What does Justin Baldoni mean by being “man enough”?
Baldoni’s public exploration of masculinity was underway by November 2017, when he gave a TEDWomen talk titled “Why I’m done trying to be ‘man enough’.” TED frames the talk as his effort to reconcile his identity with social expectations of what a man should be. He challenges men to apply qualities often associated with masculinity—strength, bravery and toughness—to vulnerability, sensitivity and listening. TED’s talk page includes his challenge: “Your strength, your bravery, your toughness: Are you brave enough to be vulnerable? Are you strong enough to be sensitive? Are you confident enough to listen to the women in your life?”
This is Baldoni’s personal and public argument, not a clinical definition of masculinity or evidence that one approach fits every man. Its relevance to the film is that it predates the film by several years and provides context for how he has discussed gender expectations in his work.
What is Man Enough about?
Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity, published in 2021, is Baldoni’s personal exploration of the expectations he has encountered and the identity he has tried to understand. The Man Enough project describes the book as an invitation to examine traditionally defined expectations and look more closely at one’s own identity. The project also connects the book with Baldoni’s TED talk, digital series and campus speaking.
#1 Best Overall
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In a 2021 Esquire interview, Baldoni described growing up feeling constrained by expectations of men and testing different versions of himself to gain acceptance. He was explicit about the limits of his authority: “I’m not on the other side. I’m not writing this book as an expert; I’m writing this book as somebody who’s on this journey learning in real time.” The book is therefore best understood as one person’s account and ongoing inquiry, not an academic or clinical guide.
How does It Ends With Us connect to Baldoni’s views on masculinity?
It Ends With Us adapts Colleen Hoover’s novel. Baldoni directed the film and played Ryle, Lily Bloom’s partner. As the relationship develops, Ryle’s anger becomes abusive; the story’s portrayal of that relationship is central to the film’s connection to discussions of masculinity, power and intimacy.
Rank #2
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In a TIME comparison of the book and film, Baldoni described protecting the source story and Lily’s emotional arc as a priority: “I’ve been a fierce protector of the book and Lily’s story and her emotional arc, and not wanting to change it much.” That statement explains his stated approach to adapting the novel. It does not settle whether the adaptation succeeds in conveying the harm of abuse or how audiences should interpret its choices.
That distinction matters because the filmmaker’s intention and the film’s effect are separate questions. The Associated Press reported criticism that the film romanticized domestic violence. Baldoni responded that critics were “absolutely entitled to that opinion” and said, “To them, I would just offer that we were very intentional in the making of this movie.” Viewers can consider the film’s scenes, framing and emotional emphasis for themselves rather than treating his explanation—or criticism of the film—as a final verdict.
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Did Baldoni’s public work on masculinity begin with the film?
No. His 2017 TEDWomen talk predates the film, while the book and podcast projects date to 2021. A 2024 Forbes interview discussed the film’s development at Wayfarer and its partnership with Sony alongside Baldoni’s work as director and actor, and his book and podcast. Taken together, the timeline shows that his public engagement with masculinity was an established strand of his work before this adaptation, rather than a theme introduced by the film.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is established about the legal dispute connected to the film?
The film’s public history also includes a legal dispute involving allegations and responses by people connected to its production and publicity. The Associated Press reported allegations made by Blake Lively, along with Baldoni’s denials and counterclaims, and separately covered a January 2025 lawsuit filed by Baldoni and Wayfarer against Lively and Ryan Reynolds. These are reports of claims made by parties; a complaint or lawsuit is not a judicial finding. The cited reporting does not establish the dispute’s status or outcome as of October 8, 2026. The AP report on the January 2025 lawsuit should not be read as an update on later proceedings.
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