This column contains spoilers about the movie "It Ends with Us." If you are a victim of domestic violence, The National Domestic Violence Hotline allows you to speak confidentially with trained advocates online or by the phone, which they recommend for those who think their online activity is being monitored by their abuser (800-799-7233). They can help survivors develop a plan to achieve safety for themselves and their children.

For a movie with a plot centered on ending the cycle of domestic violence, I found myself smiling a lot while watching "It Ends with Us."

Laughing and blushing even, at least at the beginning.

While it might sound counterintuitive, the initial lighthearted and romantic approach actually is a good thing because it provides a unique view of a foundational element behind toxic and abusive relationships.

I went into the movie, based on the book by Colleen Hoover, skeptical. From what I had seen of the promotional materials, it appeared to be just a chick flick, featuring two handsome men in love with the same stunning woman (the talented Blake Lively as Lily Bloom).

Knowing the film was really about domestic violence, I wondered why the trailer and advertisements weren't capitalizing on this moment to inform the audience about the pitfalls of abuse.

Promotional messaging aside, "It Ends with Us" gets several things right about domestic violence and abuse that could inform viewers who don't know much or have misconceptions about toxic relationships.

One thing the film does really well is to explain why people get into abusive relationships.

When Lily meets Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni, who also directed the film, he just seems like a handsome, charismatic, fit neurosurgeon. He even has commitment issues − how romantic!

Ryle immediately pursues Lily, despite her attempt to maintain a boundary of friendship (he portrayed himself as a player). He erodes her boundaries − a hallmark of abusers − and chases her persistently until she's so smitten she can't........

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