Directed by Josh Boone, the highly anticipated romantic drama “Regretting You” hit theaters on Oct. 24. The film is based on Colleen Hoover’s popular 2019 novel of the same title, however, it is not Hoover’s first book to become a film adaptation. The romance novel adaptation, “It Ends with Us,” entered theaters in August 2024 and grossed a total of $335 million against a budget of $25 million. Despite the chaos and lawsuits between the lead actors that followed the release of the film, it was undeniably a hit.
When “Regretting You” was announced in August of last year, following the release of “It Ends with Us,” fans of the book and new fans of the movie expressed their excitement and anticipation across social media, but does it live up to expectations? Let’s just say, how people felt walking out of the theater depended on who they were walking in.
The movie explores themes of resentment, guilt, and loss within a family that is suddenly burdened by a tragic loss. Mother and daughter, Morgan and Clara (played by Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace), face difficulty navigating the loss of Morgan’s husband, Chris (played by Scott Eastwood), and her sister, Jenny (played by Willa Fitzgerald). The two die in a car accident that reveals their ongoing affair. Following the accident, Morgan is left feeling betrayed, while having to also confront her own hidden feelings for Jenny’s fiancé, Jonah (played by Dave Franco), who is also navigating his grief. Meanwhile, Clara tries to escape her pain while pursuing a new romance with her classmate Miller (played by Mason Thames), while the relationship between her and her mother deteriorates.
Overall, fans of the book are disappointed. Many feel as if the movie is an extreme let down – that it fails to capture the novel’s depth. Important details are left out and the character’s emotions are downsized on screen. Fans also perceived the ending as somewhat rushed. Repercussions of the affair are resolved briefly, and the emotional journeys and conflicts between characters almost feel ignored in order to conclude the story. Opposed to the book’s gradual reconciliation, the film has a poorly paced cessation.
Critics, not necessarily fans of the book, are also underwhelmed in general. Reviews flag that the writing feels overdone and insincere, chemistry between actors is absent (specifically regarding the two leading characters: Morgan and Jonah), and the tone could not be more inconsistent. Despite the majority consensus though, there are a few critics that found the film actually quite enjoyable.
For a movie based on a romance book, it definitely fits the profile. Filled with teenage drama, laughter, young love, and past romances, this movie makes the perfect chick flick. However, the emotional portrayal of the characters is inconsistent, leaving the viewers confused on how they truly feel in different scenes. To put it plainly: the movie isn’t a must see. If you go see it, you may enjoy it. It’s lighthearted and entertaining, but you’re not missing out if you choose not to.
Ironically, the question viewers are leaving theaters with is “who is regretting who?” – something that was not made clear throughout the movie despite its title. Decisions worth regretting are made throughout the film, but it concludes with resolution and two “happy endings” for Clara Grant and Miller Adams, and Morgan Grant and Jonah Sullivan. This provokes questions for viewers. “Are these couples regretting each other?” And if not, “Then is this film’s title relevant?” What is answered is whether or not viewers regretted watching the movie – to which the answer is: yes.
