Filipino-American Sam Morelos steals the scenes as Lexie, best friend of lead character Clara Grant (played by Mckenna Grace) in the movie adaptation of "Regretting You," from the best-selling author Colleen Hoover and directed by Josh Boone (The Fault In Our Stars)."

Director Josh said “about 900 people submitted tapes for Lexie.” “Sam Morelos was our first and only choice.” Lexie is one of the most popular characters in any screening, getting the most laughs.

"Regretting You" beautifully captures the journey of Morgan Grant, played by Allison Williams, and her daughter Clara, portrayed by McKenna Grace. After a devastating accident reveals a shocking betrayal, they are compelled to confront long-buried family secrets. This challenge leads them to redefine their understanding of love and ultimately rediscover the strength of their bond.

The film weaves a powerful narrative about growth, resilience, and self-discovery amidst tragedy. With a talented cast that includes Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Clancy Brown, it inspires hope and connection.

In the story, Sam portrays Lexie, who is Clara's loyal friend and has been by her side since elementary school.

“Lexie is just a fun, light presence,” says Sam, a proud first-generation Filipino-American. “In a movie where there’s a lot of tension, Lexie is the knife that cuts it. I was laughing whenever I was on set – mostly at my own jokes.”

Although Sam, 20, hadn’t read the book before being cast as Lexie, she became a fan of Colleen Hoo-ver after working on the movie.

“I have been familiar with Colleen Hoover’s work for a very long time, but to be completely honest, I haven’t considered myself an avid reader since middle school,” she shares.

“My attention span has dwindled as I get older, so to get this job was such a gift because it gave me the opportunity to rediscover my love for reading. Since then, I became a very quick fan of Colleen and her storytelling. Lexie immediately piqued my interest because of how fun and magnetic she was in the audition scenes – it felt as though she was jumping off the page. I was so drawn to her and the story she had to tell that I knew I wanted this job.”

Aside from playing a really fun character, Sam also enjoyed working with their fellow actors. “Everyone was a joy to work with,” Sam adds. “Allison was so interested in Gen Z vernacular and I became her guide. She started saying things like, ‘Slay the house down, Boots. Houston, I’m deceased.’ Dave Fran-co is so sweet and so curious.”

"'Regretting You' is a movie best seen in cinemas with loved ones," says Sam. “Everyone should watch 'Regretting You' in theaters with their moms, their best friends, and their partners."

She adds: “Watching this film in a cinema filled with that much love will make you want to hold your people closer, it’s that infectious. I want audiences to walk into the lobby talking about their own rela-tionships – remembering the moments that you and your best friend got drunk after a big fight with your boyfriend, that night you had your first kiss and called your mom about it, and all the little mo-ments that shaped your relationships in the long run. It’s a story of love that everyone can relate to in their own little way, which is what will make "Regretting You" so special to so many people."

"'Regretting You'," from Paramount Pictures, opened in Philippine cinemas Oct. 22.

(Robert Requintina is the entertainment editor of Manila Bulletin.)