The era of rom-coms may finally be back
A film review from the Cinema World pre-screening of Regretting You.
At least, that was the most prominent thought on my mind when I walked out of the Cinema World All-Media pre-screening of Regretting You on Tuesday 21st October. Josh Boone had his work cut out for him following the criticism of the last Colleen Hoover adaptation, It Ends With Us, and yet he delivered a romantic comedy that connects on many levels with the classics of the 90’s and early 2000’s.
The dual love story, between Miller and Clara alongside Morgan and Jonah, which grows out of a deeply troubling family tragedy is predictable and yet it draws you in, allowing Boone’s quick pacing to create two emerging romances without confusing the audience. The foreshadowing and obvious on-screen chemistry results in enthusiasm for both the new, young love, and the renewed older one. Boone does a wonderful job comparing the two storylines in his shots which mirror throughout; for example, the exterior of the hotel where Chris Grant left his car perfectly echoed the interior geometry of the cinema where Miller works. It would be missing the point, however, to omit the familial love story that simultaneously happens between a grieving mother and her daughter – a central theme that older romcoms often omitted, giving Regretting You a refreshing touch.
At times, the dialogue edges toward melodrama, flirting with cliché. But rather than making me cringe in my seat, I found myself laughing along with others at moments that felt dramatic. Makenna Grace’s exasperation and sarcastic lines realistically portray the feelings and reactions of a teenager that young people and their parents know all too well. Her performance is a masterclass in expressive precision; every flicker of emotion across her face feels authentic and instinctively timed, acting as a wonderful showcase of living life to the fullest. Mason Thames’ easy-going charm and disarming smile contrasts this. Initially a portrait of nonchalance, he fits Miller Adams perfectly. And yet, Thames subtly doesn’t confine his character to the common stereotypes, allowing Miller to switch between that composed mask and honest emotion.
Allison Williams and Dave Franco’s grief and anger are evident, and while it is clearly foreshadowed, the romance did miss that click of two puzzle pieces finally being allowed to connect after so long. Some may see this as a good romance missing the extra mile but it instead brings out another central theme: how love does change with time and is not expressed the same by everyone. It does, unfortunately, result in some romantic scenes between the two that feel clunky, like dancing with a partner that can’t help but step on your feet with every move.
The film feels refreshing in a media landscape steeped in cynicism.
Audiences craving sincerity will likely leave with the same full-hearted optimism that I did. This romantic comedy is one I would compare to timeless classics such as 10 Things I Hate About You. It nails the comedic aspect of a romcom, an aspect which often is lacking. The romantic side is very similar to The Holiday, and similar to that movie, I did find myself more invested in one of the two stories, but that does not take away from the realism of the relationships on screen. This movie’s easy-going sincerity feels refreshing in a media landscape steeped in cynicism.
Director: Josh Boone
Story by: Colleen Hoover (#1 NYT Bestselling Author)
Cast: Mckenna Grace, Mason Thames, Dave Franco, Allison Williams, Chris Grant
Run time: 116 min
In theatres now!
