Movie Review – Regretting You

Movie Review: Regretting You – In theaters Friday, October 24

When a tragic accident exposes a long-buried betrayal, Morgan Grant and her daughter Clara are forced to sift through the wreckage—of their family, their trust, and their hearts. What follows is a tender, emotionally charged journey through grief, forgiveness, and the rediscovery of love.

Release Date: October 24, 2025 
Director: Josh Boone
Story by: Colleen Hoover – Screenplay: Susan McMartin
Producers: Anna Todd, Robert Kulzer, Brunson Green, Flavia Viotti
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 56m

A quick note: Heed this warning if you can. A heads-up to anyone planning to watch this film: avoid the trailer at all costs. Seriously. As a reviewer, I’ve made a personal vow—no trailers before screeners. And let me tell you, that decision paid off. I was hit with a few twists I never saw coming, and the joy of experiencing those moments unspoiled was incredible. The film’s rhythm and surprises felt genuinely earned because I went in blind.
I was raving about this film to a friend, mentioning how one actor had this uncanny young Patrick Swayze energy/look/vibe. Naturally, I pulled up the trailer to show them—and I was stunned. Practically the entire movie was laid bare in two minutes. It was jaw-dropping. I’m beyond relieved I skipped it beforehand, because that trailer would’ve robbed me of the magic I felt watching it unfold for the first time.

Let’s start with a standing ovation for casting director Nancy Nayor. She absolutely crushed it. The ensemble here is so well-balanced, so emotionally in sync, it’s nearly impossible to pick a standout—and that’s saying something. This is the first time in Trending Pop Culture history that a casting director gets top billing in a review, and Nancy earns it. The chemistry she’s curated is warm, authentic, and deeply affecting.
Now, onto the film itself. Regretting You is a romantic drama with real emotional weight. It doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of life—grief, betrayal, fractured relationships—and it handles them with grace and honesty. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the emotional beats land hard.
Allison Williams as Morgan Grant delivers a raw, layered portrayal of a woman navigating heartbreak and healing. You feel every step of her journey. Mckenna Grace, playing Clara, matches her scene for scene. Their mother-daughter dynamic is the emotional core of the film, and it’s beautifully executed. When Clara’s world shifts—both from tragedy and first love—we’re right there with her.
Speaking of first love, Mason Thames as Miller Adams is a revelation. Sensitive, grounded, and quietly magnetic, he brings a young Patrick Swayze energy to the screen (seriously, the resemblance is uncanny). His scenes with Clara are tender and vulnerable, and you can’t help but root for him.
Dave Franco’s Johan Sullivan carries a secret that’s haunted him for nearly two decades. When it’s revealed, it reshapes the emotional landscape of the film and deepens the connection between him and Morgan. Yes, there’s an expected, but very welcomed, “You complete me” moment—and yes, it works.
The supporting cast is stacked: Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, Sam Morelos, and Clancy Brown all bring depth and nuance to their roles. Each one adds texture to the story without ever feeling like filler.
Despite its nearly two-hour runtime, the film never drags. Credit goes to writers Colleen Hoover and Susan McMartin, and director Josh Boone, for keeping the pacing tight and the dialogue meaningful. Boone’s direction is confident and emotionally intelligent—definitely someone to watch.
Regretting You is a heartfelt, beautifully acted film that deserves your attention. Whether you’re watching with family or a significant other, it’s a story that resonates. No regrets here—just a whole lot of heart.

-Jay Katz

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