On August 9, 2024, ‘It Ends With Us,’ based on the book by Colleen Hoover, hit theaters starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The movie instantly sparked controversy, and later legal drama between the two stars. This year, on October 24, 2025, the newest Colleen Hoover adaptation, ‘Regretting You’ was released in theaters. The movie, though still attracting a wide variety of opinions, was met with significantly less controversy. Why did these movies receive such opposite reactions?

Rewinding the clock to 2024, ‘It Ends With Us’ was a New York Times Bestseller receiving a movie adaptation starring A-list actors. A Dons Press piece from last year explains how, as the press tour began, the movie was marketed as a rom-com, yet as people saw the film, they realized it was not a sweet, fun romantic comedy but rather a deep, emotional commentary on domestic violence. Many were upset by the misdirection, causing a large wave of controversy.

Additionally, this movie was harmed by the controversy surrounding Colleen Hoover. In recent years, she has faced negativity as many hold the opinion that she romanticizes, and even appears to support, domestic abuse.

Glamour Magazine explains how the author was caught up in more marketing controversy for ‘It Ends With Us,’ attempting to release a coloring book depicting her main character actively in an abusive relationship. Glamour states, “Many criticized this as an out-of-touch and inappropriate way to sell merch…” and the general public agreed. The coloring book was never released and Hoover issued an apology for her marketing oversight.

Unlike its predecessor, ‘Regretting You,’ was received astronomically better than ‘It Ends With Us.’ Accurate marketing and less problematic content likely contributed to such reactions.

Senior Reagan Bailleul greatly enjoyed the movie. She encourages her fellow Dons to see the film, stating, “I think high schoolers would really like the story”. 

‘Regretting You’ follows the story of Clara and her mother, Morgan, navigating the death of their father and husband, as well as the death of Morgan’s sister, Jenny. While Clara navigates teenage love and Morgan uncovers secrets about her dead husband and sister, the pair explores a new side of their mother-daughter relationship.

The movie stars big names like Scott Eastwood, Dave Franco, and Allison Williams, as well as younger talent such as Mason Thames and McKenna Grace. The star-studded cast, appealing to all ages, attracted a large audience to the theaters.

As Colleen Hoover receives another adaptation in 2026 and culture grows continuously, CCHS students need to assess the value of criticism and controversy within the music industry. Oftentimes, controversy is one of the most effective ways to make your movie known.