Review: Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You “A predictable storyline, but you won’t regret watching it.”

Morgan (Allison Williams) and her daughter Clara (McKenna Grace) have their lives turned upside down when a devastating accident uncovers a shocking truth. They must now navigate the aftermath, confront family secrets, redefine love, and rediscover their relationship with each other.

“Regretting You” is a confusing film not because of its complexity, but because it tackles heavy subject matter. While it features some cute moments, it is ultimately framed by themes of heartbreak, family dysfunction, and deceit. Nevertheless, there are also moments so sweet that they might give you a cavity.

Allison Williams delivers a brilliant performance as a mother navigating the challenges of raising a teenage daughter while enduring extreme heartbreak. Her moments on screen feel genuine and grounded. Similarly, McKenna Grace is a force of nature in her scenes and commands attention at all times. However, there is a flaw in one of the two main romances in the film.

Grace plays alongside Mason Thames as Miller Adams. He’s charming on screen, and the two sell the honeymoon phase of a high school love story. Their high moments are sweet, and their struggles feel genuine and believable.

In the film, Williams struggles with the loss of her husband, played by Scott Eastwood. Her childhood best friend, Jonah, played by Dave Franco, is experiencing a similar heartache after losing his fiancée, who Willa Fitzgerald plays. Interestingly, Willa’s character is also Morgan’s younger sister.

The romance between Williams and Franco is simply not believable. Although there is some tension built up, it never truly resonates. As a viewer, you want to root for them, but the yearning between the two characters just isn’t sufficient. When the climax of their relationship finally arrives, it feels lackluster. There is nothing swoon-worthy between them, and that ultimately weighs the film down.

The majority of the movie is melancholic and dramatic. Still, there are excellent moments from both the lead and minor characters that break the tension and provide much-needed comic relief. Sam Morelos, who plays Clara’s best friend Lexie, is one of the main sources of laugh-out-loud moments. Her comedic timing is exceptional and is further enhanced by William’s stoicism in certain parts.

The story is predictable, but that’s not something to be upset about. In a romance, you typically want predictability because it allows you to walk away feeling good about what you just watched. And you certainly feel good about the teenage romance in the film. Their story presents a classic journey that begins with a meet-cute and concludes with a cheesy declaration of love.

However, the adult characters aren’t developed enough. The flashbacks we receive don’t contribute much to their storyline, so you never really fall in love with them. This lack of depth makes the progression of their relationship feel too rushed, as we miss out on the swoon-worthy moments that are usually beloved in romance films.

Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You isn’t perfect. It struggles with its storytelling, and the romance feels somewhat lacking. However, it’s an ideal choice for a girls’ night in. This is the type of movie you enjoy with your best friend while repeatedly refilling your wine glass. It’s also family-friendly enough that you won’t feel embarrassed watching it with your mom. And that’s completely okay!