The new romantic drama “Reminders of Him” features a compelling narrative centered around Kenna Rowan, portrayed by Maika Monroe. The film intricately explores her struggles as a former inmate returning to her small town of Laramie, Wisconsin, and the profound challenges she faces upon her return.
Kenna, described as a "penniless former prison inmate," grapples with her past while trying to reconnect with her estranged daughter. Her life is burdened by tragedy; she is blamed for the death of her boyfriend, who was also the father of her daughter, whose grandparents are now raising the child. This plot line introduces a significant emotional complexity as she navigates her relationship with Ledger, played by Tyriq Withers, who happens to be her deceased boyfriend’s best friend.
The film adheres closely to Colleen Hoover’s 2022 novel, retaining similar dialogue and character details, such as Kenna’s casual attire of a Mountain Dew T-shirt, jean shorts, and boots. Initially struggling to find work due to her felony status, she finally secures a job as a grocery bagger, setting the stage for her attempts to rebuild her life and reconnect with her daughter, Diem.
Monroe’s performance as Kenna is noteworthy, showcasing the character’s hard exterior while longing for redemption and grace. After serving seven years in prison, Kenna’s return correlates with her struggle for acceptance, challenging familial bonds, and emotional turmoil. She embodies both a maternal instinct and a flirtatious spirit, rendering her character deeply relatable.
The absence of clear villains in "Reminders of Him" adds depth to the narrative. Kenna’s former boyfriend’s parents, played by Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford, depict a natural parental instinct to protect their grandchild from the woman they believe to be the cause of their son’s death. The film successfully evokes sympathy for Kenna, who never even got the chance to hold her newborn daughter, forcing viewers to confront the complexities of motherhood and loss.
As Kenna navigates her uncertain relationships, Ledger finds himself torn between his attraction to her and his commitment to Diem. This conflict adds another layer of tension to the storyline, as falling for the woman accused of killing his best friend is fraught with emotional challenges.
The film occasionally treads perilously close to melodrama, with lines that could feel overly sentimental. However, it balances these moments of introspection with lighter scenes, such as grocery store baggers dancing at dusk with sparklers. The performances of the cast elevate the narrative, particularly young Zoe Kosovic, who brings a sense of freshness and authenticity to the role of Diem, as well as Monika Myers, who injects dry humor as a motel neighbor.
“Reminders of Him” is marked by its female-driven production team. From executive producers to the screenplay writers—Hoover and Lauren Levine—and director Vanessa Caswill, the female perspective shapes the narrative. The film showcases women supporting each other, with instances of female characters aiding Kenna's quest for stability and acceptance, thus creating a sense of community and empowerment throughout the story.
Additional elements, such as the symbolic use of yellow, representing Kenna’s deceased boyfriend’s favorite color, and the recurring theme of Coldplay’s song “Yellow,” further enrich the film's emotional landscape. While some aspects may feel repetitive, including certain visuals and musical cues, the film remains a thoughtfully crafted adaptation that combines themes of sadness and hope.
“Reminders of Him,” released by Universal Pictures, opens in theaters Friday and is rated PG-13 for its depiction of sexual content, strong language, drug use, and brief nudity. With a runtime of 114 minutes, it earns a solid three stars out of four, reflecting its emotional weight and the strength of its performances.
