We’re living in turbulent times — Gaza, Ukraine… the world feels upside down. What we really need is love, not war. And maybe that special feeling we all remember — the first time we fell in love. Just like Clara and Miller in Regretting You. How sweet that the two rising stars, Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames, took their roles so seriously that they actually became a couple in real life. But let’s see if the film itself can give us a couple of hours of pure, heartfelt escape.
The Story (No Spoilers, Promise)
This is one of those films where the story is the heart — and revealing too much would ruin the experience. What I can say: it’s a deeply human, painfully honest tale about mistakes, fate, and how we can’t rewind time — not least because most of us wear smartwatches now — but we can always shape what comes next.
Sweet without being saccharine, Regretting You walks that fine line between tender emotion and grounded authenticity. It’s a story about two generations coming of age together, and that’s where its real magic lies.
Clara Grant (Mckenna Grace)
Meet Clara — a sweet, slightly awkward teen who’s hopelessly in love with her classmate Miller. Life, of course, has other plans, and he’s already taken. Still, the bond between them feels real — and Mckenna Grace makes us feel every spark of it.
Mckenna is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s artists to watch. Ever since Gifted, she’s been proving that she’s not just talented — she’s magnetic. From I, Tonya to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, she’s built a reputation for mixing brains, charm, and attitude.
In Regretting You, she nails the teenage rollercoaster — the love, the rebellion, the confusion, and the aching bond with her mother that never quite clicks. Grace’s performance is raw, funny, and beautifully real.
Miller Adams (Mason Thames)
Like Mckenna, Mason Thames is a rising star with serious staying power. He’s charming, confident, and has that rare gift — the ability to connect emotionally without ever forcing it.
Sure, he’s easy on the eyes, but there’s real depth here. Mason plays Miller with a disarming mix of lightness and gravity — a kid forced to make adult decisions far too early. And he does it with quiet grace.
You’ll recognize him from The Black Phone (and soon The Black Phone 2), where he proved he’s more than just a pretty face — he’s the real deal. Mason’s a raw diamond among Hollywood’s rising stars — he acts with pure heart and soul, embodying Hollywood’s new generation of talent redefining what it means to lead with authenticity.
Morgan Grant (Allison Williams)
Morgan, Clara’s mother, is a woman who settled for less – not because she wanted to, but because life got in the way. She’s relatable to anyone who’s ever shelved a dream for good reasons. But when tragedy strikes, she’s forced to confront who she’s become – and who she still could be.
Allison Williams, best known for Get Out and M3GAN, delivers a performance that’s both grounded and hauntingly relatable. She captures that modern ache of wanting more from life — but not knowing how to get it. Fun fact: Williams also produced the film, continuing her streak as one of the industry’s most versatile multi-hyphenates.
Jonah Sullivan (Dave Franco)
Dave Franco plays Jonah, a close family friend whose quiet loyalty and restraint bring unexpected warmth to the story. It’s a nuanced role — and Franco shines in it.
Often overshadowed by his brother James, Dave has carved his own path with smart, grounded performances. With Regretting You and the upcoming Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, he’s proving he’s not just a supporting player — he’s leading-man material in his own right.
Lexie (Sam Morelos)
Sam Morelos adds much-needed humor and heart as Lexie. It’s her first big summer movie role, and she’s instantly likable — the kind of breakout you’ll remember.
Hank “Gramps” Adams (Clancy Brown)
Clancy Brown brings gruff tenderness to Grandpa Hank — a man who hides his affection behind dry wit and stubborn pride. Brown’s been in nearly 100 films, from cult classics like Highlander to hidden gems like The Mortuary Collection. Here, he’s both grumpy and gold-hearted — in other words, perfect.
Jenny Davidson (Willa Fitzgerald)
Clara’s aunt Jenny is her confidante and secret keeper — a woman who bends the rules for love and loyalty. Willa Fitzgerald (Scream, Strange Darling) plays her with effortless charm and empathy. She’s one of those actresses who lights up every scene without stealing it.
Chris Grant (Scott Eastwood)
Scott Eastwood plays Clara’s father, a bit of a macho type — the kind that some will roll their eyes at while others swoon. He’s got his father Clint’s charisma and presence, but over time Scott has built his own identity in Hollywood.
Films like The Outpost and Gran Torino showed he’s not afraid of depth. In Regretting You, he delivers a grounded, emotionally layered performance.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT REGRETTING YOU
Josh Boone has crafted something quietly extraordinary. Regretting You isn’t loud, flashy, or desperate to impress — it simply breathes. For nearly two hours, it pulls us out of our noisy, chaotic world and back into a time when everything felt new — first love, first heartbreak, first real choices.
This is not just a story; it’s a reflection — a mirror held up to our younger selves. It’s honest, imperfect, and deeply human. Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames don’t just play their characters; they become them. Their performances feel so raw, so lived-in, that you can almost feel your own teenage heart beating again.
Boone reminds us that authenticity is far more powerful than perfection. His film doesn’t chase cinematic grandeur — it leans into truth, vulnerability, and the quiet moments that define who we are. And in doing so, Regretting You becomes something rare: a coming-of-age story for every generation. In an age of noise and numbness, this film is a gentle heartbeat — a whisper that reminds us it’s okay to feel again.
You might cry. You’ll definitely smile. But above all, you’ll remember. Regretting You isn’t a film you simply watch — it’s one you carry with you.
⭐ 8.5/10 — A tender, timeless reminder that the most imperfect moments often shape the most beautiful lives. Heartfelt, honest, and beautifully human. And, 10/10 ⭐ for Mckenna and Thames, two great personalities who will shape the movie business, and maybe the world.
Text: Marco Kokkot
Host: Sarah Ben Hamza
