Josh Boone’s latest Colleen Hoover adaptation, ‘Regretting You,’ attempts to weave a tale of intergenerational romance and profound grief, but critics are finding its blend of tragedy and rom-com corniness to be a surprisingly awkward, two-Kleenex affair, despite strong performances from Allison Williams and Dave Franco.
The cinematic landscape has once again turned its gaze to the world of young adult (YA) fiction, with director Josh Boone adapting Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, “Regretting You.” Following in the footsteps of previous successful adaptations like Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” and Boone’s own “The Fault in Our Stars,” expectations were high for a poignant, tear-jerking narrative. However, initial reviews suggest a film that struggles to balance its tragic elements with an unexpected surge of rom-com corniness.
The Promise of Another Emotional Rollercoaster
Colleen Hoover has cultivated a dedicated fanbase through her emotionally charged novels, often dealing with complex relationships and personal struggles. Her works have found a new life on screen, with films like “It Ends With Us” proving to be significant hits, creating considerable anticipation for “Regretting You.” Fans of Hoover’s literary style expected a story that would once again tug at their heartstrings, perhaps requiring a whole box of tissues, much like Boone’s earlier, highly successful YA adaptation, “The Fault in Our Stars,” a film known for its profound emotional impact as reported by AP News.
Director Josh Boone is no stranger to adapting popular YA novels for the big screen. His previous work on “The Fault in Our Stars” set a high bar for emotional intensity and raw teen romance. With “Regretting You,” Boone aimed to deliver another compelling story, this time a “tragicomic intergenerational romance” penned by screenwriter Susan McMartin.
“Regretting You”: A Tragicomic Blend?
The film introduces us to Morgan (played by Allison Williams) and Jonah (played by Dave Franco) in their high school years, where they share undeniable chemistry despite dating each other’s friends: Morgan’s sister Jenny and Jonah’s buddy Chris. The narrative quickly establishes a pivotal event—Morgan’s unexpected pregnancy—setting the stage for a dramatic time jump.
Seventeen years later, we revisit the quartet. To the audience’s surprise, the initial pairings have somewhat solidified: Morgan is married to Chris, while Jenny and Jonah are co-parenting a baby born from a one-night stand. This complex web of relationships forms the backdrop for the film’s unfolding drama, introducing Clara (Mckenna Grace), Morgan’s ambitious 17-year-old daughter aspiring for drama school, and Miller (Mason Thames), a charismatic but “sketchy” peer who captures Clara’s attention.
Plot Points and Pacing: From Grief to Giggles
The film’s journey is marked by a series of events intended to evoke strong emotions. From Morgan’s initial discovery of pregnancy in a convenience store restroom to the long-standing, somewhat disappointing, relationships formed over 17 years, the story aims for a sprawling emotional canvas. Clara’s budding romance with Miller is depicted as a “rocky road,” though critics note it’s filled with “pesky pebbles” rather than significant obstacles, creating a sense of meandering plot progression.
The narrative intensifies with a significant tragedy—an accident that dramatically impacts the family, throwing every relationship into turmoil. However, despite the gravity of the event, the film struggles with its tonal consistency. Reviewers highlight a strange transition where tears quickly give way to smiles, quips, and ultimately, “full-on rom-com corniness,” leading to an awkward and “weird and annoying” viewing experience, according to ABC News. The overall sentiment suggests a lack of real suspense, punctuated by moments like Jonah’s baby comically wedged between wine bottles in a shopping cart.
Echoes of Hoover’s Past: “It Ends With Us” and Fan Expectations
The success of other Colleen Hoover adaptations, particularly “It Ends With Us,” which was directed by Justin Baldoni, created considerable anticipation for “Regretting You.” Fans eagerly awaited a film that would deliver the raw emotional depth characteristic of Hoover’s novels. However, the critical consensus points to a different outcome. While there are moments of “sweet kisses” and “nice declarations of motherly devotion,” critics lament a “regretfully high” cheese factor.
The film’s ending, described as a “wrap-it-all-up scene so corny” it elicited blushes from reviewers, reinforces the perception that “Regretting You” misses the mark on delivering the profound emotional impact expected from a Colleen Hoover story adapted by Josh Boone. Instead of a deep emotional release, the film offers a “two-Kleenex ride, at most — definitely not the whole box.”
Cast Performances Amidst the Corn
Despite the film’s mixed critical reception, the performances from its lead actors have received some commendation. Allison Williams, in particular, is noted for “doing her best” as Morgan, grounding the character amidst the script’s fluctuating tones. Dave Franco as Jonah, along with Mckenna Grace as Clara and Mason Thames as Miller, contribute to the ensemble, portraying the complex family and romantic dynamics.
A curious detail highlighted by critics is the apparent “de-aging” of Williams and Franco in their high school scenes, noting they “look like they’re around 30,” which slightly detracts from the youthful authenticity of the early narrative.
The Verdict: One and a Half Stars
“Regretting You,” a Paramount Pictures release, runs for 117 minutes and has been rated PG-13 “for sexual content, teen drug and alcohol use, and brief strong language.” Ultimately, the film garners a rating of one and a half stars out of four, reflecting its struggle to deliver a cohesive and genuinely moving experience. While aiming for a blend of tragedy and romance, the movie’s foray into overt corniness proved to be its most significant misstep, leaving critics wishing for more emotional depth and less saccharine resolution.
