From Page to Pain: Colleen Hoover’s “Regretting You” Hits the Big Screen
Why “Regretting You” Hits Harder on Screen, and Where It Falls Short.
by Maggie Foster ★ NOVEMBER 17th, 2025
Design by: Jackie Mirvis
Colleen Hoover’s stories have always been about the ache beneath the surface, the kind of heartbreak that doesn’t just shatter lovers but whole families. The 2025 film adaptation of “Regretting You”, directed by Josh Boone and written by Susan McMartin, brings that emotional turmoil to the screen with mixed but often striking results. Starring Allison Williams as Morgan Grant and McKenna Grace as her daughter Clara, the film translates Hoover’s bestselling 2019 novel into a raw exploration of grief, forgiveness and the complicated love between a mother and daughter who must navigate loss while discovering uncomfortable truths.
Set in a small North Carolina town, “Regretting You” follows Morgan and Clara as their already fragile relationship is tested when a tragic accident upends their family. As secrets about the past begin to surface, both women must confront who they are and who they refuse to become.
So, why is this movie worth seeing? Grace delivers a standout turn as Clara Grant, capturing the volatility of teenage grief and first love with precision. Her chemistry with Thames, who plays Miller Adams, is undeniable; their on-screen romance has tension and genuine warmth. The internet has already taken notice, with fans speculating that the two young stars’ connection may extend beyond the film.
Supporting players bring much-needed texture. Clancy Brown’s portrayal of Gramps adds heart and quiet wisdom, while Sam Morelos as Clara’s best friend, Lexi, injects moments of levity into an otherwise heavy narrative.
Still, book fans may find themselves frustrated. While Boone’s direction captures the novel’s spirit, key plot details and emotional beats are trimmed or altered, muting some of the depth that made Hoover’s original story resonate so deeply. The omissions don’t ruin the film, but they do soften the emotional blow that readers might have anticipated.
Hoover’s rise from self-publishing her debut “Slammed” in 2012 to becoming a household name in modern romance is nothing short of remarkable. The Texasborn author has sold millions of copies worldwide and built a devoted online following through emotionally charged works like “It Ends With Us”, “Verity”, “Ugly Love” and “November 9”. Her writing often fuses romance with real-life struggles: trauma, family dysfunction and moral gray areas, giving her novels a raw authenticity that has translated into viral fandoms and major Hollywood interest. Hoover recently gained negative traction with the controversy surrounding “It Ends With Us” film.
The film adaptation of “It Ends With Us”, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, faced backlash over its handling of domestic abuse themes and what some felt was a glamorized marketing approach.
Ultimately, though, “Regretting You” succeeds in what matters most: reminding audiences why Hoover’s brand of heartbreak continues to resonate. It’s not perfect, but it's a sweet film that reminds audiences that romance is alive and well. In the messy spaces between love and loss, “Regretting You” finds its truth, proving that Colleen Hoover’s emotional grip on readers remains unshakable.
Edited by: Ava Robbins