'Reminders of Him' Review
- Lara Kretler
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Release Date: 03/13/26 [Cinemas]
Genre: Drama. Romance.
MPAA: Rated PG13.
Distributor: Universal Pictures.
The Verdict: A Must-See
Reminders of Him is a chick flick extraordinaire. It’s not just a regular chick flick - it’s a MOM chick flick. I must be precisely this movie’s target audience, because I sobbed for almost the entire runtime.
Based on the popular tear-jerker novel by Colleen Hoover of #BookTok fame, Reminders of Him is a story about grief, motherhood, redemption, family and romance. I remember thinking, as soon as the closing credits began, “That had to be directed by a woman” - and it was. Vanessa Caswill showed sensitivity for the subject matter, stayed true to the book and carefully walked the line between sweet and too-sweet. I also love what she did with the color yellow throughout the film.
The story centers around Kenna, a young woman skillfully played by Maika Monroe. Kenna loses the love of her life in a tragic car accident while under the influence, and spends five years in jail as a result. Amping up the tragedy, Kenna gives birth to their baby while in jail and is never able to see or hold her as the late father’s parents adopt her as their own.
When Kenna gets out of jail, her mission is to reunite with her daughter but that proves difficult as the grandparents still blame Kenna for the death of their beloved son. The romantic interest comes in the form of Ledger, beautifully portrayed by Tyriq Withers as the best friend of the young man who died and the self-appointed best friend and guardian of his daughter and across-the-street neighbor.
Filmed in beautiful Calgary as a stand-in for Wyoming, the gorgeous natural surroundings were as easy on the eyes as the lead actors. The storytelling, lighting, cinematography and soundtrack contributed to the moody romance here and resulted in scarcely a dry eye in the place.
Reminders of Him may be the best - and least problematic - Colleen Hoover book adaptation yet… unless crying in a theatre for two hours is a problem for you.
Anyone who loves romance, happily ever after chick flicks, tales about motherhood and chosen family, and Colleen Hoover novels will love Reminders of Him.
