The film is based on the novel of the same name by Colleen Hoover and tells the story from the perspective of the main character, Lily. This consistently subjective narrative style characterises the entire film and significantly influences its impact. Instead of explaining or evaluating violence from the outside, the audience is drawn into Lily's inner world. Thoughts, memories, hopes and doubts take centre stage and make her decisions comprehensible, even if they may seem contradictory when viewed from the outside.
A central theme of the film is love. At the beginning, a relationship is shown that is characterised by emotional closeness, trust and mutual attraction. This depiction is important because it makes it clear why the relationship is so important to the main character. Love does not appear naïve or superficial here, but as a serious emotional bond that promises security, belonging and prospects for the future. It is precisely these positive aspects that help to ensure that problematic developments are initially relativised or suppressed.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear how violence creeps into the relationship not abruptly, but gradually. Small transgressions, emotional injuries and shifts in power increasingly become part of everyday life. The film shows very impressively how these dynamics can develop and become entrenched. It becomes particularly clear that violence does not occur in isolation, but is embedded in phases of affection, remorse and hope for change.
This ambivalence is one of the strongest aspects of the film. The main character simultaneously feels love and fear, loyalty and doubt, hope and guilt. The film does not judge these feelings, but presents them side by side. This creates a realistic picture of the inner conflicts that those affected by violence in relationships are often confronted with. The question of why people remain in violent relationships is not answered in a simplified way, but is made visible in its complexity.
The role of biographical experiences is also addressed. Past experiences influence the main character's perceptions, relationship patterns and scope for action.
The film makes it clear that violence cannot be viewed in isolation from individual life stories. This embedding contributes to an advanced course of understanding and prevents a purely moralistic or individualising view.
The film has a strong emotional impact precisely because it avoids exaggeration. Many scenes appear calm, almost reserved, and gain intensity precisely because of this. The closeness to the main character means that insecurity, excessive demands and inner turmoil become palpable. As a result, the film demands emotional confrontation without overburdening or lecturing.
In the context of Orange Days, the film takes on an additional social dimension. It serves as a starting point for discussions about violence against women*, social taboos and the difficulty of addressing violence in intimate relationships. It is particularly valuable that the film not only conveys facts, but also creates emotional access. This emotional appeal can help to promote empathy and question existing ideas about perpetrator-victim dynamics.
Furthermore, the film clearly shows that love is no justification for violence. This realisation is not explicitly formulated, but emerges from the development of the plot. It is precisely this indirect communication that makes the message credible and sustainable. The film respects the audience's intelligence and avoids simple answers.
To summarise, it can be said that "Noch ein einziges Mal - It Ends With Us" makes an important contribution to raising awareness of gender-specific violence. The connection between love and violence is portrayed in a realistic and differentiated way, without relativising or romanticising violence. The consistent perspective of the main character provides in-depth insights into emotional and psychological processes, which are often presented in an abbreviated form in public discourse.
The film is particularly suitable for educational and awareness contexts, as it stimulates both emotional involvement and reflection. It is memorable and invites viewers to engage further with the topic. For these reasons, *"Noch ein einziges Mal - It Ends With Us" is highly recommended.
by Michelle Pruszak
