Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames talk new romance film ‘Regretting You’

Mckenna Grace (left) and Mason Thames (right) star as Clara and Miller in “Regretting You.” Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

“Regretting You” is the latest addition to the trend of Colleen Hoover film adaptations, this time produced by Hoover herself.

In the film, it doesn’t take long to notice the spark between stars Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames. In an interview with the Technique, they talked over each other and laughed like two people who have happily spent many hours trapped on a press tour together.

“What happens in the story without giving anything away, it's no matter what one person has going on, they're there for each other, and they understand, and they listen. And everybody feels. And they just feel together,” Thames explained to the Technique.

Indeed, like many of Hoover’s works, “Regretting You” certainly dives head-first into feelings. Clara, played by Grace, and Miller, by Thames, are faced with a tragic family accident that uncovers secrets and pushes them together into what becomes a budding romance.

“It's such an intimate feeling to know that somebody's seen you at your lowest or at your worst, or what you feel like is at your worst, and knowing that they'll still be there for you,” Grace remarked. “But also, the whole concept of the film is not regretting anything. At the end of the day? ‘Regretting You?’ Well, I never.”

“Well I never!” Thames interjected, laughing.

“Jeez Louise,” Grace continued. “It's about taking the things that we regret and letting ourselves feel that — learning from those mistakes but not letting it eat us alive. Realizing that everything that's happened to us has made us who we are, and trying to be happy with that.” 

The film was directed by Josh Boone, known for his work in other young adult dramas like “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Press Play.” Tonally, “Regretting You” has moments of shock and melodrama, but largely leans more toward the comfort of a Hallmark rom-com. The overall effect is a fun watch, especially for those who love soap operas.

Grace delivers a standout performance as Clara. She is long-recognized for her work in child roles, like in “I, Tonya” and “Gifted.” Thames is also known for his recent roles, like in “The Black Phone” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” “Regretting You” is a story about growing up, which feels like a fitting step forward for the young actors. Both actors expressed that the film was their first venture into romance.

“Luckily, me and Mckenna, we’ve known each other for like a year in advance,” Thames explained. “She was my best friend. Going into that and being so comfortable with somebody made it so much easier.”

“With anyone else, it would’ve been a lot scarier. I’m so grateful that my first on-screen romance was with somebody I love and trust so much,” Grace said. 

“Regretting You” is about learning from the past, but it also seems to represent how Grace and Thames are both ready to move forward. As they step into the next chapter of their careers, it feels like the best is yet to come.