In April, McKenna Grace posted a TikTok with “Regretting You” co-star Mason Thames, lip-syncing and ending with a kiss. Many fans interpreted it as a hard launch of a real-life relationship, which quickly made it viral, contributing to the movie’s promotional momentum.
“Regretting You,” a romantic drama directed by Josh Boone and based on Colleen Hoover’s 2019 novel, was released on Oct. 24. Although “Regretting You” is marketed as a romance, it isn’t simply light and cheerful throughout. The film follows Clara Grant, played by McKenna Grace, and her mother Morgan, played by Allison Williams, as they navigate the deaths of Morgan’s sister and husband. The deaths uncover a possible affair between Morgan’s husband and sister, pushing Clara and Morgan to address their strained relationship amid grief and betrayal. Morgan leans on somebody she has complicated feelings towards, while Clara begins a forbidden relationship with the local troublemaker Miller Adams, played by Mason Thames, against her mother’s wishes.
“My favorite part was the parallels to both the mom and daughter,” said sophomore Sydney Britt. “They both had different stories to tell, but it came together at the end. I even cried. It was a happy cry.”
Britt’s reaction wasn’t unique, as tears were a common response to the movie’s emotional intensity. The story covers complex themes of love, heartbreak and authentic relationships, particularly between mother and daughter. Hoover is widely known for her dramatic and emotional storytelling, frequently combining themes of love and grief, much like she did in “Regretting You.” Other examples of her writing include the widely popular “It Ends With Us” series, of which the first novel was also turned into a film.
Unfortunately, Hoover’s reputation has not been as successful as her books. In recent years, Hoover has dealt with criticism and backlash, much of it surrounding her tendency to treat issues of abuse and domestic violence with insensitivity.
“I can’t support a person who allegedly justified her son sexually harassing someone,” said sophomore Zoe Farrigan. “Her belief system is not very valid, but also, as the consumer, I believe that we should be able to separate the artist from the art.”
While opinions on the author may dissuade viewers from going to see the film, many are still drawn to other aspects. One standout element that the film offers is its soundtrack, featuring popular artists like The Killers, ROLE MODEL, Suki Waterhouse, Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams, which perfectly complements the plot. The movie opens with “When We Were Young” by The Killers, setting the scene for a nostalgic flashback to 2006 Georgia. Later on, another flashback is highlighted by “Dakota” by the Stereophonics, further immersing viewers into the character’s pasts. “Everywhere, Everything” by Noah Kahan featuring Gracie Abrams is considered the film’s theme song, as it was featured in the official trailer. Lyrically, the song speaks about the ache of remembering what once was and the hope of finally finding peace in present life, a message that echoes the film’s narrative. The song’s uplifting tone extends past the movie’s final scene and into the credits, filling the theatre with a positive atmosphere.
Moreover, “Regretting You” captivates the audience with its strong cast and the artistic vision of Josh Boone and Colleen Hoover. The older, more experienced cast members, such as Allison Williams, bring nuance and subtlety to the screen, showing layered emotions like anguish, shock, anger and vulnerability through restrained facial expressions rather than overt drama. Meanwhile, the on-screen chemistry between Grace and Thames adds believability, making the interactions seem genuine rather than performed. However, their deliveries sometimes lean towards being over the top or melodramatic. Exaggerated reactions and superficial characters are among the film’s biggest issues. The movie leans heavily on grand gestures and speeches to prove simple points rather than demonstrating them through finer details, which at times feels cliché.
When leaving the theater, viewers of “Regretting You” will likely take away a personal lesson about regret. Following the loss of loved ones, each character carries their own unique guilt, and the film eventually concludes that accepting regret is the first step in moving on. Although I am wary of Colleen Hoover’s work, my love for McKenna Grace leads me to rate this movie a four out of five.
