Regretting You Film Review: Bland New Colleen Hoover Adaptation
Regretting You: A Romantic Drama Review
The latest film adaptation from BookTok sensation Colleen Hoover, Regretting You, is a sure bet to attract her dedicated fan base. However, for those less inclined towards gooey sentimentality and slow-paced romantic dramas, this film may not hit the mark.
The story begins with two teenage couples, Morgan and Chris, and Jenny and Jonah, who seem to be mismatched. Morgan and Jonah appear to be the more sensible pair, while Chris and Jenny exude a more carefree vibe. When Morgan announces she is pregnant, the story fast-forwards 17 years into the future.
In the present day, Morgan, now a skilled baker, is married to Chris, with a teenage daughter named Clara. Meanwhile, Jenny has a baby with Jonah, who wears glasses and speaks softly. The predictable plot points pave the way for Morgan and Jonah to eventually realize their feelings for each other.
The film’s parallel love story involving Clara and Miller, the “coolest boy in school,” adds a touch of cringe-worthy teen romance. As Clara and Miller navigate their budding relationship, the audience is treated to awkward situations and misunderstandings, often involving overprotective parents.
The performances of the younger actors, Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames, shine brighter than their adult counterparts. Dave Franco’s character, in particular, feels underdeveloped and lacks depth beyond being a man with glasses.
Director Josh Boone, known for his work on The Fault in Our Stars, struggles to strike a balance between romance and grief in Regretting You. The film rushes through moments of sorrow to focus on the more romantic elements, leading to a lack of emotional depth.
In an era where audiences are demanding more from the media they consume, Regretting You falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. With several more Colleen Hoover adaptations in the pipeline, fans should expect and demand better quality storytelling in the future.
Regretting You is set to premiere in cinemas in the UK and the US on October 24th.
