In stark contrast to the gritty realities of some stories, ‘Regretting You’ immerses viewers in a world of stunning aesthetics. This Josh Boone adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2019 novel, famed for films like ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, delivers visual splendor akin to a classic Bollywood romance. The film kicks off with a pregnant teenage Morgan (Allison Williams) confessing her news to Jonah (Dave Franco) at a beach party. Interestingly, Jonah is romantically involved with Morgan’s free-spirited sister, Jenny (Willa Fitzgerald), while Morgan herself is with Chris (Scott Eastwood).
Seventeen years later, the group reunites for Morgan’s birthday. Morgan and Chris are married, and their daughter, Clara (Mckenna Grace), clearly favors her father and Aunt Jenny over her mother. Jonah, after a long absence, has re-entered Jenny’s life, and they now share a child. However, a tragic accident soon forces Clara, Jonah, and Morgan to confront a series of difficult revelations.
Film Details: Regretting You (English)
- Director: Josh Boone
- Cast: Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, Clancy Brown
- Runtime: 116 minutes
- Storyline: Tragedy and the attendant secrets strain the relationship between a mother and daughter.
Clara dreams of becoming an actor and finds herself drawn to Miller (Mason Thames), the local ‘bad boy’ who shares her cinematic aspirations – much to Morgan’s dismay. The film unfortunately leans into a predictable narrative, with its emotional moments failing to resonate. It’s packed with familiar tropes: a terminal illness, a gruff but endearing grandfather, meta-movie references, and a supporting cast of archetypal friends like the snarky Lexie (Sam Morelos) and the nerdy Efren (Ethan Costanilla).
Following other Colleen Hoover adaptations featuring stars from popular teen dramas, Allison Williams, known from ‘Girls’, takes on a leading role here. Despite the talented cast, their performances often feel lost amidst the film’s polished visuals. ‘Regretting You’ attempts to tackle weighty themes like death, love, betrayal, deceit, parenting, and grief, yet surprisingly, it leaves little emotional impact. Even the storyline involving the baby, undeniably sweet, feels unfinished.
A lingering question throughout the film is the characters’ professions. Despite Jenny’s mention of returning to work after maternity leave, everyone appears to spend their days lounging in comfortable attire on plush sofas, indulging in exquisite food, smoothies, and wine. Even their refrigerators and kitchen counters are meticulously stocked with aesthetically pleasing, color-coordinated provisions! The movie feels so overtly stylized that a grand family song, much like in a certain Bollywood classic, might have completed the picture. If you’re seeking a purely visual treat with a handsome cast, ‘Regretting You’ delivers. But don’t expect to be deeply moved or find profound answers to life’s complexities.