Exploring Romance and Regret in ‘Regretting You’: A Movie Review

Director Josh Boone returns to adapt another beloved young adult novel: Colleen Hoover’s “Regretting You”. Given Boone’s previous work, like “The Fault in Our Stars,” fans might want to prepare for an emotional experience, potentially needing a box of tissues.

While “The Fault in Our Stars” revolved around teenage love and cancer, “Regretting You” combines a touch of tragedy and comedy. However, the transition from grief to light-hearted moments can feel jarring, making it less impactful than expected. It may only spark a few tears instead of a full box.

Plot Overview

In the beginning, we meet Morgan and Jonah in high school, portrayed by Allison Williams and Dave Franco. Their chemistry is undeniable, but complications arise as Jonah is dating Morgan’s sister, Jenny, while Morgan is with Chris. A beach gathering reveals Morgan’s unexpected pregnancy, creating immediate tension.

Fast-forward 17 years, and we find the same couples navigating adult life, albeit with a few surprises. Did Morgan genuinely marry Chris, the guy who said she was more fun while drunk? Yes, she did, and this raises eyebrows.

Character Dynamics

Enter Clara, Morgan’s 17-year-old daughter, who harbors dreams of attending drama school. Here lies the conflict, as Morgan seems unsupportive of Clara’s aspirations—something that feels out of character for her portrayed personality.

A new character, Miller, enters Clara’s life, stirring romantic tension. Despite a backdrop of teenage love, their relationship seems almost secondary to the larger family drama. However, tragedy soon strikes, drastically altering the relationships within this family.

Without giving much away, an accident unfolds that reshapes every relationship in the story. Despite the traditional twists and turns, the lack of real suspense is notable.

Final Thoughts

Fans of Hoover may have high expectations after last year’s successful adaptation of “It Ends With Us,” and while “Regretting You” delivers sweet moments and declarations of love, it often leans heavily on cliché. The ending, in particular, feels overly sentimental, leaving one slightly embarrassed to witness its corniness.

Ultimately, “Regretting You” garners a mixed response, from its emotional intentions to its cheesy moments, and while it could draw a few tears, it may also provoke a few groans. It’s rated PG-13 for sexual content, teen substance use, and brief strong language, with a running time of 117 minutes. This film might just merit a watch—if you’re prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.

What are your thoughts on romantic dramas like “Regretting You”? Would you watch it? Let us know!