Justin Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film It Ends With Us, is excited for fans to discover hidden details in the movie. As the film premieres, Baldoni has been sharing some of the Easter Eggs embedded in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel.
The film stars Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate, and Isabela Ferrer, and while not everything from the book could be included, Baldoni highlights some subtle nods to the original material that fans might enjoy.
One notable element missing from the film is the phrase “just keep swimming,” which was a meaningful mantra between the characters Lily and Atlas in the novel. This line, famously from Pixar’s Finding Nemo, was beloved by readers but did not make it into the adaptation. Despite its omission, Baldoni included various visual references to the phrase throughout the film.
For attentive viewers, the film features several Easter Eggs related to the phrase. In one scene, a poster in Lily’s bedroom pays homage to Finding Nemo, while a special stuffed animal—a plush clown fish—appears in a nursery scene. These details are designed to reward fans who notice these subtle connections to the book’s themes.
Additionally, a tribute to the phrase is visible in a scene at Atlas’s restaurant, Root. A painting with a similar saying is prominently displayed, offering another nod to the iconic line. Fans have been quick to spot these tributes, with social media users discussing and sharing their discoveries online.
Aside from these Easter Eggs, Baldoni has also been focused on the film’s portrayal of sensitive issues. He ensured that voices on set were heard, particularly in scenes depicting domestic violence.
By working with an intimacy coordinator and stunt coordinator, Baldoni aimed to handle these scenes with authenticity and respect, avoiding a male gaze and faithfully representing the experiences of women affected by such issues.
