“Regretting You” Movie Review

Plot: Centers on the strained relationship between young mother Morgan Grant (Allison Williams) and her teenage daughter Clara (McKenna Grace), exacerbated by Morgan’s husband Chris’s (Scott Eastwood) tragic death, that forces them to navigate life’s challenges together.

Regrets: How Dangerous Are They?

    In this movie, a series of regrets arises from the choices made by a couple—Morgan and Chris—who ultimately find themselves on an unexpected, tumultuous path. The film begins with an ambiguous tone, suggesting that Morgan may be pregnant, but the atmosphere between her and her husband, Chris, is tense and distant. In stark contrast, her interactions with her best friend Jonah carry a warmth and familiarity that raises questions about the nature of her relationship with each man.

As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that Morgan harbors doubts about the paternity of her daughter, Clara. This uncertainty is vividly illustrated through the subtle yet telling body language between Morgan and Jonah during their initial scenes together, hinting at a deeper connection that complicates their current lives.

Clara Grant: 17 Years Later

    The narrative weaves through the backstory of both couples, exploring the choices that have shaped their lives over the past 17 years. As adults, they are now navigating their separate yet interconnected lives, filled with independence and complexity. The film poignantly captures the emotional toll of their decisions and the consequences that no one could have predicted, ultimately leading to a powerful examination of love, trust, and the shadows of the past.

Clara was initially an outgoing and direct individual who confidently expressed her goals and aspirations. However, she began to struggle when her mother imposed certain overbearing restrictions on her, a challenge many teenagers face as they seek to assert their independence. During this transformative time, Clara encounters Miller Adams, who plays a significant role in supporting her as she navigates the complex emotions surrounding her father’s passing. Together, they journey through the challenges of adapting to her new reality, all while Clara remains unaware of a secret her mother is keeping—one intended to protect her from a harsh truth that might be difficult for her to accept.

Jonah & Jenny

      The dynamic between this couple was not very complicated, but as the film unfolds, we soon begin to see that it was, and some people can hit curveballs when they are thrown at them, while others cannot handle them and don’t know where or whom to even turn to. Jenny was Morgan’s sister, and Jonah was both Chris and Morgan’s friend from school and growing up, so the 4 of them were really family before kids even got involved in their lives!  There was a major blow to Morgan and Jonah when Chris was killed in a car accident. There is one thing that was never really proven or revealed during this entire movie, and it was said by Jonah in pure speculation. I wish they had confirmed it, but they did not.

Acting Out vs. Going For Life!

    As highlighted earlier, Clara’s acting out is a direct response to her mother’s failure to be completely honest about something Chris was concealing from her. While her mother’s intentions were rooted in love, the dishonesty created tension between them. Clara referred to this unsettling period as “being weird,” which led to a series of regrettable events that both Morgan and Clara faced. They missed an opportunity to connect openly and honestly, something that is essential for a healthy mother-daughter relationship.

By the film’s conclusion, second chances and new opportunities emerge, allowing everyone to find harmony and peace within themselves and fulfill what their hearts truly desire. This movie transcends the typical teenage love story—it’s far from average. It was nothing short of sensational. In my view, while Clara and Miller played significant roles, the real stars of the film are the four parents at its center, whose journeys are both compelling and pivotal to the narrative.