by: Quinn Hathaway

Media Editor

A new movie adaptation from bestselling romance novelist Colleen Hoover hit theaters on Oct. 24. The popular novel, Regretting You, garnered so much love and attention when Hoover released it in 2019 that Paramount Pictures bought the film rights, started production in March of 2025, and premiered the film in the fall of the same year. As of Nov. 20, the film has brought in over $80 million, surpassing the break-even point with its production budget of $30 million, and is set to play in theaters for several more weeks.

The drama/romance follows Morgan and Clara Grant, a mother-daughter duo living in Atlanta, Georgia. Clara is a sharp 17-year-old high schooler, focused on finding herself, even if that means clashing with her loved ones. Morgan is fiercely protective of Clara and willing to sacrifice almost anything for her daughter’s happiness. These contrasting personalities result in a tenuous relationship, which a tragic familial accident only aggravates. The plot follows a tale of healing, highlighting the juxtaposing ways in which Clara and Morgan seek solace and forge new relationships amidst disaster. Other main characters include Miller Adams (Mason Thames), Jonah Sullivan (Dave Franco), Lexie (Sam Morelos), Christ Grant (Scott Eastwood), and Jenny Davidson (Willa Fitzgerald), all of whom are friends or family of the Grants. A main theme of the movie is finding love in unexpected places, and the characters capture the catharsis of these moments well.

The cast for the movie includes both renowned actors and new faces. McKenna Grace, reprising the pivotal role of Clara Grant, appeared in many productions throughout her childhood, most notably Gifted, co-starring with Chris Evans. Grace also appeared in numerous hit shows, including Young Sheldon and Fuller House. Mason Thames took on the role of Miller Adams, less than a year after his main role in the popular movie How to Train Your Dragon, and only a week after his second Black Phone film hit theaters. The cast also includes lesser-known actors, such as Sam Morelos, who plays Lexie, Clara’s best friend, and Willa Fitzgerald, who portrays Jenny Davidsen. This myriad of actors brings forth cast chemistry, the result of combining actorial experience with novelty.

While many of Hoover’s novels are geared towards a younger audience, Regretting You tackles broader themes of loss and self-discovery, appealing to a much larger age range. Some of the characters, including but not limited to Lexie, Clara, and Miller, are high school kids, but other characters, such as Hank Adams Sr., the grandfather of Miller, bring the older generation’s wisdom and relatability to the screen. The film also boasts an incredible soundtrack, featuring both emerging artists such as Rolemodel and established icons such as Noah Kahan. Teenagers to grandparents would love the variety that both the characters and music provide.

Regretting You expertly brings the bestseller to life with its stellar cast and wide range of characters. Check it out in theaters today!