AceShowbiz - Despite not incorporating the famous "just keep swimming" phrase from Colleen Hoover's novel, director and star Justin Baldoni has cleverly hidden references to it in the film adaptation of "It Ends With Us".

Fans can spot a poster of "Finding Nemo", the Pixar film that popularized the quote, in Lily's bedroom. There's also a stuffed clownfish plush visible for a brief moment. Additionally, a framed picture at the Root restaurant, where Lily reunites with Atlas, bears a similar message to the "just keep swimming" mantra.

Baldoni explains his rationale for these Easter egg, "I love finding a way to infuse little Easter eggs into the film because of course we can't put everything from the book into the movie."

The film, which chronicles Ryle and Lily's abusive relationship, weighed heavily on Baldoni during filming. He recounts emotional outbursts in private moments to release the intensity. "It's too real," he said. "There are too many people that are the real-life Lily Blooms of the world."

Despite the intense subject matter, off-camera drama also emerged during production. Sources reported tension between Baldoni and Blake Lively, who served as an executive producer. However, a second source clarified that Lively's input aimed to enhance the film and honor the source material.

"It Ends With Us" is currently in theaters.