At a glance
Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, Regretting You, caters to her devoted fan base but falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. Despite its predictable storyline and lackluster character development, the movie manages to capture the essence of love and loss, albeit in a formulaic way.
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Warning: Spoilers ahead. While I’ve avoided major plot details, the film’s predictable nature may give you a sense of its direction early on.
Full disclosure: I haven’t read the original novel that inspired Regretting You, so I can’t compare the film to its source material. However, for fans of Colleen Hoover, the movie might offer enough of the expected romantic elements to satisfy their cravings. Still, it’s evident that the film could have been more compelling.
The story kicks off with two teenage couples, Morgan and Chris, and Jenny and Jonah, showcasing contrasting personalities that hint at potential romantic entanglements. Fast forward 17 years, and we see how their lives have evolved.
In the present day, Morgan, portrayed by Allison Williams, has blossomed into a character defined by her baking skills and subdued nature. Her marriage to Chris, played by Scott Eastwood, and their daughter Clara, portrayed by Mckenna Grace, form the core of her existence.
Meanwhile, Jenny, played by Willa Fitzgerald, navigates motherhood with Jonah, portrayed by Dave Franco, in a less conventional manner. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Morgan and Jonah share a deeper connection, setting the stage for a predictable yet drawn-out romantic subplot.
The film’s narrative unfolds clumsily, with forced interactions and contrived plot developments propelling the characters towards their inevitable conclusions. Despite promising performances from the young leads, Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace, the adult cast struggles to add depth to their roles.
Director Josh Boone’s handling of the emotional beats falls short of his previous successes, leaving the audience with cliched moments of grief and longing. The film’s resolution, while satisfying for some, lacks the nuance and depth needed to elevate it beyond a typical romance.
As the film concludes, one can’t help but feel a sense of missed potential and unfulfilled promises. While fans of Colleen Hoover may find solace in the familiar themes, there’s a lingering desire for more substantial storytelling and character development.
Regretting You is set to release in cinemas in the UK and the US on 24th October.
