Last night, I found myself in the most unexpected of places: AMC Lincoln Square, attending a preview screening of *Reminders of Him*—the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2022 romance novel, slated for release on March 13. Although I am a voracious reader, I have never been a particularly fervent admirer of this author. Consequently—from *Verity* to Reminders of Him (and all the drama in between)—I have kept abreast of her work solely through the commentary of others. While I understand that Hoover boasts a massive fan base, I have largely steered clear of her work out of simple personal preference. Thus, I went into the screening with rather low expectations... and came out pleasantly surprised.
Set in Laramie, Wyoming, the film opens with a rather striking introduction to its protagonist, Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe), who knocks over a roadside memorial cross and rips it from the ground. Through entries in her journal, Kenna reveals that she has just been released from prison after being convicted of vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Scotty Landry.
Director: Vanessa Caswill
Writers: Lauren Levine, Colleen Hoover
Stars: Maika Monroe, Bradley Whitford, Tyriq Withers
After securing a rather dreary, dilapidated apartment—reminiscent of a motel room—as well as a part-time job bagging groceries at a supermarket, Kenna focuses on the true reason that compelled her to return to her hometown. Through flashbacks, Kenna relives the moment of her daughter’s birth while she was incarcerated, as well as the emotional scar—still raw—left by the fact that the infant was taken from her immediately.
The little girl—now five years old (named Diem in the film; Dottie in the book)—currently lives with her paternal grandparents: Grace (Lauren Graham) and Patrick (Bradley Whitford). Scotty’s best friend—a handsome man, former next-door neighbor, and ex-NFL player—Ledger Ward (Tyriq Withers), has stepped into the role of a father figure for the little girl. The three of them have conspired to keep Kenna away from Diem, though Ledger soon finds himself caught between his loyalty to the Landry family and the growing realization that Kenna is not, in fact, the person everyone assumed she would be.
The screenplay—written by Hoover herself in collaboration with Lauren Levine—was somewhat weighed down by a few overly sappy lines, some strange and glaringly obvious product placements, and some rather clunky stage directions—such as the instruction that everyone should breathe as audibly as possible—among other details. Nevertheless, the film managed to surprise me in several respects.
First, it was rated PG-13. I have nothing against sex scenes, but I feel that, over the years, they have become gratuitous. I miss the romantic comedies of the 2000s, where the bulk of the film was spent on the process of getting to know the other person. The fact that nothing serious happens between Kenna and Ledger until well into the second act—while still effectively conveying the plot and emotional weight—felt refreshing.
The diversity of the cast also stood out, and it never felt forced. For starters, we have a Black male lead in a romantic drama—something that doesn't happen anywhere near as often as it should. Withers—who was named to *The Hollywood Reporter’s* "NextGen Class of 2025" list—plays a character who is simultaneously self-assured and protective; energetic yet tender; and often convinced he is right, but willing to admit his mistakes. The cast also features Monika Myers—an actress and disability rights activist (who has Down syndrome)—who brings to life Lady Diana: Kenna’s sassy neighbor and coworker. Lady Diana’s quirks provide comic relief that—and this is important—is not achieved at her own expense; likewise, the script avoids centering her identity exclusively on her disability.
*Reminders of Him* succeeded in offering solid entertainment, sprinkled with moments of introspection; in fact, the audience with whom I watched the film burst into laughter on several occasions.
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