by Jeremy Kazieva,
I had no regrets watching Regretting You. It stands out as one of the stronger book-to-film adaptations currently out. The movie delivers everything you’d expect from a great romance—drama, humor, emotion, and a fair share of unexpected twists. Mason Thames shines in the genre, and his chemistry with McKenna Grace is genuinely engaging. Dave Franco and Allison Williams also deliver standout performances, particularly in the film’s more emotional moments. Whether you’ve read the book or not, Regretting You is a film that may either inspire you to pick up the novel or remind you why you loved it in the first place.
Regretting You centers on Morgan Grant (Allison Williams) and her teenage daughter, Clara (McKenna Grace), as they struggle to move forward after a tragic accident claims the life of Morgan’s husband and Clara’s father. In the aftermath, long-buried secrets and betrayals begin to surface, forcing Morgan to confront painful truths from her past while Clara grapples with grief, anger, and the turbulence of growing up.
The film doesn’t shy away from heavy themes such as grief, betrayal, and hidden secrets. For an adaptation of a romance-drama novel, the emotional stakes feel elevated. From the moment the tragic incident is revealed, the story becomes a rollercoaster of strained relationships and long-held truths spilling out over time. Between the jaw-dropping moments, emotional breakdowns, humorous chemistry, and dramatic confrontations, the film works hard to keep the audience engaged throughout.
Regretting You aims high and delivers several genuinely moving moments. For viewers drawn to the emotional push and pull between mothers and daughters coping with loss—and for fans of Colleen Hoover’s signature blend of romance and drama—this adaptation offers plenty to appreciate. The performances from Allison Williams and McKenna Grace provide a strong emotional foundation that carries the film.
As someone who typically gravitates toward action films over drama or romance, this movie felt like a refreshing change of pace. Experiencing a story without a supervillain—one driven purely by emotion and character—was a welcome shift. It was relaxing to simply sit back and let the story unfold. That said, as a cinematic experience, it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Uneven tonal shifts and a reliance on familiar storytelling beats prevent it from becoming the deeply resonant, haunting drama it could have been. Viewers expecting a profound and surprising exploration of grief and betrayal may walk away slightly unsatisfied. Ultimately, this is a film best suited for fans of the novel or anyone seeking an authentic, emotionally driven romantic drama.
Emotional Damage Report: ★★★★☆