Colleen Hoover’s dominance in the literary world is undisputed, but her transition to the silver screen has been a bumpy ride. Following the media-heavy controversy of It Ends With Us and the relatively quiet reception of Regretting You, many wondered if the “CoHo” magic could truly translate to film. Fortunately, Reminders of Him has arrived to prove that with the right creative touch, these stories can resonate deeply. This latest effort is not just another romance; it is a poignant exploration of grief and redemption.
Story
The narrative centers on Kenna, played with soul-baring honesty by Maika Monroe, as she returns to Paradise, Wyoming. After serving seven years in prison following the tragic death of her boyfriend Scotty (Rudy Pankow), Kenna is a pariah in her own hometown. She lives in a Spartan apartment, struggling to find employment with a criminal record hanging over her head. Her motivation, however, isn’t just survival—it’s her daughter, Diem. Having never met the child who was taken at birth, Kenna’s journey is one of desperate hope for a first encounter.
Performances
Maika Monroe, typically a staple of the horror genre with films like Longlegs and It Follows, delivers a masterclass in restrained emotion. Eschewing over-the-top melodrama, she portrays Kenna as an introvert who communicates her deepest pains through letters penned to her lost love.
Opposite her is Tyriq Withers, who pivots from his work in Him to play Ledger, a local bartender and Scotty’s former best friend. Withers brings a refreshing vulnerability to the role of a man who has acted as a surrogate father to Kenna’s daughter. The chemistry between Monroe and Withers feels earned and organic, standing in stark contrast to the manufactured “star-power” pairings often seen in modern Hollywood romances.
Additionally, Monika Myers provides a delightful spark of humor as Kenna’s neighbor. While Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford are excellent as the grieving grandparents, the film arguably underutilizes their immense talent.
Behind the Lens
What arguably sets Reminders of Him apart from its predecessors is the involvement of the author herself. Colleen Hoover co-wrote the screenplay alongside Lauren Levine, ensuring the heart of the novel remained intact. Director Vanessa Caswill, who previously helmed Love At First Sight, demonstrates a keen eye for the “small” moments. Through breathtaking cinematography and a melancholic score, Caswill captures the internal struggle of the characters, allowing the emotional stakes to simmer before they boil over.
Final Verdict
While the third act’s pacing and plot logic occasionally falter, the film’s emotional core remains unshakable. Reminders of Him is less a traditional romance and more a life-affirming family drama. It tackles complex themes like the stigma of incarceration and the unbreakable bond of motherhood with sincerity. If you are looking for a story that prioritizes healing and forgiveness over toxic tropes, this is the Colleen Hoover adaptation that finally hits the mark.
