Book-to-screen adaptations are always a tricky endeavor, as filmmakers must balance staying true to the source material while also making necessary changes for the medium of film. In the case of „It Ends With Us,“ based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, director Justin Baldoni had to make some tough decisions about what to include and what to leave out from the book. One of the casualties of this process was the omission of Lily’s journals and her and Atlas‘ love for the animated film „Finding Nemo.“
However, despite these changes, Baldoni made sure to include some subtle nods to the beloved Pixar movie in the film. One of the most notable Easter eggs is a Finding Nemo poster that can be seen in the background of a scene at Atlas‘ restaurant, Root. The poster features a blue tang fish with a quote about swimming forward, a reference to the iconic line from the movie, „just keep swimming.“ While not a direct replica of the original quote, the sentiment is clear and serves as a touching homage to Lily and Atlas‘ shared love for the film.
Baldoni explained that he wanted to include as many Easter eggs as possible in the film for die-hard fans of the book to appreciate. The Finding Nemo poster was a deliberate choice to acknowledge the significance of the film in the characters‘ lives, even if it couldn’t be a major plot point in the movie. Additionally, a Nemo plushie can be spotted in Lily’s nursery, further emphasizing the continued presence of the Pixar movie in the story.
Author Colleen Hoover, whose book inspired the film, expressed her appreciation for these subtle references during interviews. She noted how the Finding Nemo nod and other small touches in the film were like „little shout-outs“ to elements from the book that didn’t make it into the final cut. For Hoover, discovering these hidden treasures in the film added an extra layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience.
Overall, „It Ends With Us“ remains a faithful adaptation of Hoover’s novel, with changes that stay true to the heart of the story. While some details may have been altered for the screen, the inclusion of Easter eggs like the Finding Nemo references adds a special touch for fans of the book. These small nods serve as a reminder of the characters‘ shared history and the enduring themes of resilience and hope that run throughout the story.
For those eager to uncover all the Easter eggs and hidden treasures in the film, „It Ends With Us“ is now playing in theaters. Don’t miss the chance to experience this heartfelt adaptation and discover the subtle nods to beloved elements from the book.
