In stark contrast to the world of *Task*, where characters are often beaten down by life’s relentless challenges, Josh Boone’s latest film, *Regretting You*, presents a visually stunning but emotionally shallow spectacle. Directed by Boone (*The Fault in Our Stars*) and based on Colleen Hoover’s 2019 novel, this adaptation is pure eye candy, boasting lavish homes and beautiful people, all wrapped in a distinct Sooraj Barjatya aesthetic. The story kicks off at a beach party where a young Morgan (Allison Williams) reveals her pregnancy to Jonah (Dave Franco). Interestingly, Jonah is dating Morgan’s free-spirited sister, Jenny (Willa Fitzgerald), while Morgan is with Chris (Scott Eastwood).
Seventeen years later, the group reunites for Morgan’s birthday. Morgan and Chris are now married with a daughter, Clara (Mckenna Grace), who dotes on her father and Aunt Jenny, but shares a more strained relationship with her mother. Jonah, after a long absence, has returned and is with Jenny, and they have a baby together. However, a tragic accident soon forces Clara, Jonah, and Morgan to confront some deeply unsettling realities.
Clara harbors aspirations of becoming an actor and finds herself drawn to the local ‘bad boy,’ Miller (Mason Thames), an aspiring filmmaker—much to her mother Morgan’s dismay. The film, unfortunately, suffers from bland predictability, failing to deliver any genuine emotional resonance. It’s riddled with clichés, including a terminal illness, a gruff grandfather, meta movie references like posters for *China Town* and *The Two Jakes*, and even a joke about Tom Cruise’s iconic running. Supporting characters like the snarky friend Lexie (Sam Morelos) and the nerdy Efren (Ethan Costanilla) also feel like stock archetypes, all vying for screen time without adding much depth.
Following Blake Lively’s recent turn in another Colleen Hoover adaptation, *It Ends with Us*, *Regretting You* brings yet another teen show alum, Allison Williams (*Girls*), into Hoover’s cinematic universe. Despite a talented ensemble, including Clancy Brown, the actors seem to float through the narrative, enhanced by glossy filters, while social media receives only a passing nod. For a movie tackling heavy themes like death, love, betrayal, lies, parenting, and grief, *Regretting You* disappointingly glides by without making any significant emotional impact. Even the endearing presence of a baby in the story feels underdeveloped and unresolved.
One glaring question persists throughout the film: what exactly do these characters *do* for a living? While Jenny mentions returning to work after maternity leave, everyone else appears to spend their days lounging in luxurious, cozy attire on equally lavish sofas, surrounded by beautifully arranged food, smoothies, and wine. Even their refrigerators and kitchen counters are meticulously stocked with color-coordinated, elegant provisions! Had the film included a grand family song, perhaps proclaiming ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’ (We Are United), it might have at least felt more coherent. If you’re simply seeking a feast for the eyes with stunning visuals and an attractive cast, then *Regretting You* might entertain. But don’t expect to be emotionally stirred or to find any profound answers to life, the universe, and everything (which, incidentally, is 42).
Currently, *Regretting You* is showing in theaters.