Regretting You Film Review: Emotional Moments But Lacks Impact
Josh Boone focuses on superficial romance and visual flair, leading to a film that feels more like a formula than an emotional experience.
Director: Josh Boone
Starring: Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Clancy Brown
Rating: ★
Following the success of It Ends With Us, Colleen Hoover’s novels are catching Hollywood’s eye. With high expectations, Regretting You arrives, helmed by Josh Boone, known for The Fault in Our Stars. Despite a solid cast featuring Allison Williams, Dave Franco, and Mckenna Grace, Regretting You fails to find its footing on-screen.
The story begins in high school with Morgan (Allison Williams) dating Chris (Scott Eastwood) when she finds out she’s pregnant. Meanwhile, her sister Jenny (Willa Fitzgerald) is involved with Jonah (Dave Franco), who harbors feelings for Morgan. These entangled relationships set the stage for a dramatic future. Fast forward seventeen years, Morgan and Chris are married with a teenage daughter, Clara (Mckenna Grace). Tragedy strikes when a car crash claims Chris and Jenny’s lives, revealing a hidden affair. The film then explores themes of loss, betrayal, and complicated love as Morgan and Jonah navigate their grief while Clara turns away from her mother, finding solace with Miller (Mason Thames), a popular boy at school.
The Good
The film contains glimpses of the deep emotion it could have embodied. Allison Williams delivers a heartfelt performance, expertly channeling Morgan’s complex feelings of anger, guilt, and heartbreak. Dave Franco adds warmth and regret to his role, while Mckenna Grace effectively portrays Clara’s turbulent teenage emotions. Boone’s direction occasionally captures beautiful visuals, particularly in serene lakeside scenes that evoke the nostalgia typical of young adult romances. The soundtrack enhances the film’s moody ambience, filled with soft guitar and piano melodies, hinting at a potential rhythm in the storytelling.
The Bad
However, these emotional moments are fleeting. The flashbacks to younger versions of the characters feel awkward, undermining the film’s overall impact. The split narrative between Morgan’s grief and Clara’s love story leads to tonal inconsistencies. Boone and screenwriter Susan McMartin seem unsure if they are creating a family drama or a teen romance, resulting in a lack of commitment to either genre.
Clara’s subplot with Miller, intended to reflect her mother’s past, feels superficial and diverts attention from the more engaging adult storyline. Their chemistry is lackluster, and the overuse of text-message montages contributes to the film’s artificiality. Even the central theme of betrayal lacks depth, glossing over potentially impactful moments. The unnecessary product placements and some misplaced comic relief detract from the film’s focus.
The Verdict
Regretting You offers a hint of emotional resonance but leans heavily on superficial drama. Boone, who previously infused tenderness into The Fault in Our Stars, appears caught between contrasting tones in this film—too sentimental to achieve realism, yet too restrained for true melodrama. Despite its earnest intentions, the movie stops short of exploring deeper themes, resulting in a glossy and forgettable adaptation. Ultimately, Regretting You suggests that not every Colleen Hoover story translates effectively to film.
What are your thoughts on film adaptations? Do you believe they can ever truly capture the essence of a novel?
