The story begins on a somber note as Lily Bloom, portrayed by Blake Lively, returns to her hometown of Plethora, Maine, to face the overwhelming grief after the death of her father, Andrew, played by Kevin McKidd. Upon arriving at her mother Jenny's doorstep, portrayed by Amy Morton, the atmosphere is thick with sorrow. The funeral serves as a touching reminder of the intricate nature of human relationships, where Lily struggles to articulate her thoughts during her father's eulogy, ultimately retreating from the microphone in silence.
In search of solace, Lily heads to Boston, where she encounters Ryle Kincaid (played by Justin Baldoni), a neurosurgeon harboring his frustrations. Their first meeting occurs on a rooftop, where Ryle’s exasperation manifests in the reckless act of tossing a chair. He notices Lily at the balcony railing, and their conversation gradually takes off, with Ryle sharing his profession while Lily reveals her aspirations of opening a flower shop. Amidst her admission, Lily ponders the irony of her name, Lily Bloom, growing beauty from the fragility of life.
The night progresses, charged with palpable tension as Ryle leans in closer with unmistakable intentions. However, Lily remains guarded, her heart shaped by past experiences. She opens up about her first love, Atlas Corrigan, portrayed by Alex Neustaedter, the homeless boy who once captured her heart in high school. Ryle’s interest is abruptly interrupted by a work-related phone call, leading to their separation yet again.
A pivotal flashback whisks us to the mid-2000s, where a young Lily, played by Isabela Ferrer, watches as Atlas rummages through trash for food. This significant moment lays the foundation for their burgeoning relationship. As years pass, Lily’s compassion shines as she provides Atlas with a place to stay, fostering a bond that transcends their differing social standings.
In the present day, Lily embarks on her flower shop venture, receiving the keys that symbolize a new beginning. She meets Allysa, portrayed by Jenny Slate, who becomes an unexpected partner in transforming the space into a vibrant abode. Their collaboration signifies the blossoming of Lily's journey amid life’s complexities.
As their friendship deepens, Allysa invites her husband Marshall, played by Hasan Minhaj, and Ryle to an evening gathering. However, Ryle’s unacknowledged desires become evident throughout the night, evidenced by the bouquet deliveries and thoughtful gestures as he makes his presence known in Lily’s life. When Ryle walks her home one evening, the chemistry is undeniable, but Lily insists on maintaining her boundaries, choosing to walk alone.
Another significant flashback takes us to Lily’s garden, where she and Atlas engage in personal revelations about the abuse Jenny suffers at the hands of Andrew. Atlas's understanding serves as an emotional anchor for Lily, deepening their connection.
Later, during a lively party hosted by Allysa and Marshall, Ryle and Lily share a heated moment in Ryle's apartment, though Lily remains resolute about not crossing physical boundaries. The next day, the implications of their closeness become apparent, especially when they clarify the state of their relationship to Allysa.
Ryle's sincere proposition to date Lily is met with a mix of trepidation and acceptance. As Lily's feelings for him blossom, the journey becomes intertwined with memories of Atlas, whose influence on her youth is a constant reminder of her past.
In a defining scene, Lily’s reintroduction of Ryle to her family unveils unexpected connections when the restaurant they frequent reveals Atlas as a pivotal figure in her life. As the celebration unfolds, the joy is tinged with underlying tensions from the past and the innocent traumas that haunt Ryle.
As time passes, Lily finds herself increasingly drawn to Ryle, even amidst the emotional chaos his actions sometimes incite. A sudden accident at home serves as a stark reminder of potential violence, leading to further complications in their relationship.
When Lily confides in Allysa about Ryle’s volatile tendencies, the emotional stakes heighten, revealing the scars of his past that threaten their future. As the due date of their child approaches, the pressures mount, and Lily is determined to break free from the cycles of abuse that plague her family history.
In a moment of reckoning, Lily firmly embraces her independence, declaring "It ends with us" as she files for divorce from Ryle, vowing to shield their daughter, Emmy, from the toxic legacy of her upbringing.
The film draws to a close with a poignant homage as Lily visits her father's grave alongside Jenny and Emmy, reflecting on the cycles of pain that have shaped their lives. As seasons pass, Lily immerses herself in her flower shop and the nurturing of her daughter until fate leads her to another encounter with Atlas, reigniting the unspoken tension that lingers between them, hinting at the rich tapestry of their intertwined destinies.
