Reminders of Him Review
By now, audiences shouldn’t be unfamiliar with Colleen Hoover theatrical adaptations given what’s recently released. It’s been only a few months since viewers got the teenage heartthrob story of Regretting You and about a year since It Ends With Us. Although there may have been some divisiveness and debate about these films, one thing is certain: they consistently tug at the emotional strings. In addition, both were deeply rooted in the romantics of it all. However, while Reminders of Him, the latest Colleen Hoover outing, is also a romance story, it carries this weight of grief and pain that many will hold close.
Reminders of Him sees Kenna (Maika Monroe), a small town girl, returning home after being released from prison following a terrible incident. Wanting to rebuild her life, she hopes that she can reunite with her daughter, but is unable to due to her custodial grandparents. Unfortunately, all of this was caused after an accident with her boyfriend that Kenna couldn’t escape from. Unable to see her daughter or find a job to support herself, Kenna finds unexpected solace from Ledger (Tyriq Withers), a bar owner and her boyfriend’s friend. However, as truths are revealed and tensions brew, Kenna can only hope this second chance works out for her.
Given how the previous Hoover adaptations came and went, some might wonder how their expectations can hold up. The film still follows the usual romance movie tropes, with the main one being the second chance at love. However, it’s kept hidden and teased well enough to almost subvert your expectations. In that opening scene where Kenna takes down the vigil of her boyfriend Scotty (Rudy Pankow), one can’t help but think there’s some bad blood. Of course, the background narration of Kenna’s written thoughts may also point to this, but as that main bond develops, it becomes much clearer. Kenna’s not doing it for self-fulfillment, but because of that need to reconnect with her young daughter.
The way that the relationship between Kenna and Ledger develops also has its own highs and lows, contributing to the dramatics of it all. Particularly, the most extreme highs and lows could already be found within the first act when the two meet for the first time. One would expect that it would be somewhat of a smooth sailing when Kenna and Ledger get acquainted with one another. However, when their shared connection to Scotty is inevitably revealed in those next twenty or so minutes, it feels like their relationship is already derailing. Yet, it’s in that derailing that leads to what makes Reminders of Him an interesting film.
After a fiery rollercoaster of a first act, what’s brought to the screen is a bit of an emotionally painstaking experience. Withers captures Ledger’s hesitancy to let Kenna see her daughter in a way that’s gripping: he slowly shows that he wants to do what’s right, but he doesn’t want to change her life in a way that’s traumatizing. Whether that be shielding Kenna’s daughter when they nearly encounter her at her store to stopping Kenna when she’s at their door, there’s a hesitancy that almost makes you feel sympathetic for his cause.
The relationship that he’s got with Scotty’s parents, Grace (Lauren Graham) and Patrick (Bradley Whitford), is what’s keeping his place as a caretaker. Both characters are initially cold and distant towards Kenna, and eventually Ledger when that shocking third act transition kicks in. One would want to almost feel bad for them, given the many flashbacks that point blame at Kenna. However, as the film puts it, they’ve made this single incident revolve around their entire lives. Although this line in the film might feel like a one-off piece of dialogue, it sizzles itself into the story at just the right time.
Yet, Kenna is the main reason why Reminders of Him is as poignant as it is. Monroe’s performance has this glistening where Kenna’s fears of not being able to be the perfect parent actually enhances that desperation. When Kenna begins to grow closer to Ledger, that desperation turns into sincere honesty in a way that makes one feel sympathy for her. Both of them want to provide the best care they can for Kenna and Scotty’s daughter, but they still have a bit of close appreciation for one another.
That said, it feels like the film inevitably forces this romance between the two and, given how they were friends with Scotty, it may be odd. Director Vanessa Caswill does want to show that deep within this romance story, there is a family-centric drama about co-parenting and parenthood to be presented. Because of how Hoover’s story prioritizes the love story first, it has this desire to play up those effects. As such, certain shots may feel like they’ve come out of a traditional Hallmark love story movie, but it wants to do more.
This also goes for some of the lighthearted elements of the film, which includes one of Kenna’s friends who hates Ledger. Sure, it may get some laughs out of the audience, but it can also rub some viewers the wrong way with how the story progresses. Given how Reminders of Him presents this character in the few scenes she appears in, the question of why the film presented her like this mostly holds up until the third act.
Reminders of Him is a thoughtfully pieced Colleen Hoover adaptatin exploring themes of redemption and second chances within a heartfelt family drama. Anchored by strong performances from Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers, the film highlights the emotional complexities of parenthood and forgiveness.
Reminders of Him releases in theaters on March 13.
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.