Going into Regretting You blind, I wasn’t expecting much. But to my surprise, the film turned out to be emotionally impactful as it explored grief, miscommunication, and complicated family dynamics that can be relatable to many. It’s a romance drama that seems catered to daughters and mothers, or really anyone who struggles with being understood by their loved ones. Although the story would dip into predictability, there was also an honesty to the emotions that makes it worth sitting through.
The Good
Something that stood out was the emotional moments that captured the tension between wanting to be logical/doing “the right thing” and following your heart. A memorable scene was between Jonah (Dave Franco) and Morgan (Allison Williams), reminiscing about a song that brings back a long-buried memory of what could’ve been. The flashback of them as teens–while their partners are inside–was unexpectedly moving. It was a bittersweet scene that captured grief and nostalgia; it showed how timing and unspoken feelings can change the course of a life.
Dave Franco and McKenna Grace, who played Clara, carried their roles well, especially since their characters confronted guilt, love, and generational miscommunication. Sam Morelos, who played Lexie, added a nice touch of comedic relief throughout all the heaviness as she offered lighthearted breaks in a more emotionally intense film. The cinematography, score, and pacing felt steady and immersive; the visuals captured the warmth and melancholic tone. From the start, you can tell that the story is meant to be reflective, deep and nostalgic.
The Bad
The film had its cheesy and predictable moments, but that’s pretty expected from a romance. A few emotional scenes might come off as forced if you’re not already invested. The acting occasionally leans corny, and while the film tries to balance both teen and adult perspectives, it sometimes feels unsure of its target audience. However, those flaws didn’t necessarily take away from the core messages or the emotional depth of the film.
Characters:
Chris Grant (Scott Eastwood): Morgan’s husband, Clara’s father, and Jonah’s best friend. His outgoing, frat-boy type of charm contrasts with Morgan’s calmness, and his affair with Jenny becomes the emotional catalyst for everything that follows in the plot.
Clara Grant (McKenna Grace): Grounded, upfront, and emotionally mature, Clara encourages change. She pushes her mother to rediscover her passions and challenges Jonah to stop running from his problems. She navigates her dating life with Miller and post-high-school plans.
Jenny Davidson (Willa Fitzgerald): Morgan’s best friend—friendly, bubbly, and a warm aunt figure to Clara—whose hidden affair with Chris sets off the story’s tragic events.
Jonah Sullivan (Dave Franco): Chris’s best friend and a teacher at Clara’s high school who struggles with avoidance and accountability. Jonah wrestles with his unspoken love for Morgan and his past mistakes. His calm, reflective nature contrasts with Chris and Jenny’s energy, making him seem intuitively more compatible with Morgan.
Lexie (Sam Morelos): Clara’s best friend and the film’s comedic relief. Her dry humor and genuine loyalty add light-heartedness to the heavy story.
Miller Adams (Mason Thames): Clara’s love interest; a more daring personality and aspiring film student. He navigates struggles with family, dating, and figuring out his college/career plans. He provides an emotional grounding for Clara following her father and Jenny’s passing; from there, we see their relationship grow.
Morgan Grant (Allison Williams): The mother of Clara; she navigates grief and guilt while trying to reconnect with her daughter. She can be strict and controlling at times, but her empathy and warmth show through. She often puts her family before her own desires, but has a calm and grounded presence compared to her husband, Chris, and friend Jenny.
Themes and Messages
At its core, Regretting You is about grief, timing, and the ways we misunderstand the people closest to us. It shows how miscommunication can damage relationships between parents, children, and partners. The film also explores how love can coexist with resentment—especially in the mother-daughter dynamic between Morgan and Clara, where both struggle to understand each other’s pain. Additionally, the film shows how easy it is to let guilt or obligation overshadow your own desires. It captures the quiet grief of realizing what could’ve been if only someone had taken that extra step or said what they truly felt.
Final Verdict
Regretting You might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it might surprise those who give it a chance. There is weight to witnessing miscommunication and how easily love can get lost in translation–especially between mothers and daughters. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s sincere.
Review written by Arlene Nguyen
