The Unexpected Truth: 5 Key Locations Where They Filmed 'It Ends With Us'—It’s Not Where You Think

The highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's global phenomenon, It Ends With Us, is finally here, and it’s sparking conversation not just for its casting and emotional story, but for its surprising backdrop. As of December 2025, the most current and unique information reveals that while the novel is famously set in the historic streets of Boston, Massachusetts, and the fictional town of Plethora, Maine, the movie’s production team chose a different, yet equally scenic, East Coast locale to bring Lily Bloom’s journey to life: New Jersey. This strategic move provided a fresh, yet authentic, urban environment for the drama to unfold.

The decision to film across the Hudson River from Boston’s rival metropolis, New York City, was a major logistical choice. The production utilized the vibrant urban landscapes and historic charm of New Jersey’s Hudson County, primarily focusing on two key cities. Fans and location enthusiasts have been eagerly tracking the specific spots where Blake Lively (Lily Bloom) and Justin Baldoni (Ryle Kincaid) were seen filming, offering a new kind of pilgrimage for readers and moviegoers.

The Cast and Crew: Key Entities Behind the Production

The on-screen adaptation of Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel was helmed by a dedicated team, with many key players also taking on roles both in front of and behind the camera. This dual-role approach, particularly by the lead actor, added a unique layer to the production, which was managed by a major studio and an independent production house.

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• Director: Justin Baldoni
• Screenwriter: Christy Hall
• Novel Author & Executive Producer: Colleen Hoover
• Production Companies: Wayfarer Studios (Justin Baldoni’s company) and Sony Pictures
• Lead Cast:
• Blake Lively as Lily Bloom
• Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid
• Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan
• Jenny Slate as Allysa Kincaid
• Hasan Minhaj as Marshall

The production, which began in May 2023, faced a significant interruption due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but eventually wrapped filming, ensuring the movie could meet its theatrical release schedule.

The Real Filming Locations: Why New Jersey Stood In for Boston

The narrative of It Ends With Us is deeply rooted in Lily Bloom’s life in Boston, from her move to the city to the opening of her flower shop. However, the production team opted for the distinct architecture and waterfront views of New Jersey to serve as the primary setting. This choice allowed for a versatile and cost-effective filming environment while still maintaining the East Coast aesthetic required for the story.

1. Jersey City: The Urban Heart of the Film

Jersey City, known for its historic architecture and vibrant, modern urban scene, served as the epicenter for many of the film's crucial scenes. The city's downtown area provided the perfect backdrop for the bustling life of Lily and Ryle.

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• The Fateful Restaurant: South House
  One of the most significant and confirmed locations is the fine dining establishment South House in Downtown Jersey City. This restaurant was used for a pivotal scene in the movie, likely where key dramatic interactions between the main characters take place. This specific location is a testament to the production's focus on using real, existing businesses rather than constructed sets.
• Downtown Streets and Architecture
  The historic brownstones and busy streets of Downtown Jersey City were frequently used for outdoor shots, giving the film a genuine, lived-in feel. The area's diverse scenery allowed the crew to capture a variety of urban settings needed for the different stages of Lily's life.

2. Hoboken: Capturing the Waterfront Charm

Just north of Jersey City, the charming, smaller town of Hoboken was also a key filming location. Hoboken sits directly on the banks of the Hudson River, offering stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, which often features in the background of scenes.

• Waterfront Promenade Scenes
  Hoboken’s picturesque waterfront provided the setting for some of the more reflective or romantic scenes. The views here are iconic and help establish the East Coast metropolitan atmosphere, even if it's not technically Boston.
• Local Businesses and Residential Streets
  The production was spotted filming in various residential and commercial areas of Hoboken, utilizing its unique blend of historic buildings and modern amenities to create the illusion of Boston’s diverse neighborhoods.

3. Liberty State Park: Scenic Views and Open Spaces

Located in Jersey City, Liberty State Park is another notable entity used in the movie. This large, beautiful park offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

• Dramatic Outdoor Sequences
  The park's vast open spaces and dramatic backdrop are ideal for significant emotional scenes or transitional moments in the film. The visual contrast between the park's tranquility and the city's intensity across the water often symbolizes the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Lily Bloom.

The Book vs. The Movie Setting: Bridging the Gap

Colleen Hoover's novel is explicitly set in Boston, Massachusetts, and introduces the fictional town of Plethora, Maine, as Lily's hometown. The movie's use of New Jersey locations, while geographically different, successfully captures the essence of a major East Coast city. The production's goal was clearly to find locations that could convincingly stand in for the book’s setting without requiring the higher costs or logistical complexity of filming extensively in Boston itself.

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The adaptation focuses on the emotional core of the story—domestic abuse, second chances, and the complex relationship between Lily, Ryle, and Atlas Corrigan—making the exact geographical location secondary to the narrative's power. The use of real-world locations like Downtown Jersey City and Hoboken adds a layer of authenticity that studio sets could not replicate, providing a tangible environment for the actors to embody these beloved, yet controversial, characters.

Ultimately, the movie's backdrop is a tribute to the versatility of the East Coast. Fans who visit these New Jersey locations will get a unique glimpse into the world of It Ends With Us, seeing the real-life streets and establishments that helped bring Colleen Hoover's powerful story to the silver screen.