When you think of a Colleen Hoover adaptation, you might brace yourself for an emotional wringer. But Reminders of Him, based on Hoover’s 2022 novel, is a surprisingly sweet and tender romance that doesn’t make you question your life choices. It’s the date movie that may have arrived a month late, but its charm is undeniable.
Plot: A Mother’s Return
Maika Monroe stars as Kenna, a woman released from prison after serving seven years for manslaughter. The charge stems from a tragic car accident that killed her boyfriend, Scotty (Rudy Pankow).
Kenna returns to her hometown, determined to get her life back. She finds a crummy place to stay, and her landlady Ruth (Jennifer Robertson) even offers her a kitten as a discount on rent. But her primary goal is to reconnect with her daughter, Diem (Zoe Kosovic), a little girl born in prison and now being raised by Scotty’s parents, Grace (Lauren Graham) and Patrick (Bradley Whitford).
Scotty’s best friend, Ledger (Tyriq Withers), a former NFL player who now runs a bar, is close to the family. While Grace and Patrick hold Kenna responsible for their son’s death, Ledger finds himself increasingly drawn to the broken, desperate mother.
What Works: Chemistry, Charm, and a Cute Kid
- Lead Chemistry: The film’s greatest strength is the crackling chemistry between Monroe and Withers. Monroe invests a “bruising tenderness” into Kenna, making her vulnerability palpable. Withers efficiently manages to look good and sensitive, creating a believable and engaging romantic pair.
- Adorable Child Actor: Zoe Kosovic, as little Diem, is awfully cute, delivering exactly the kind of performance expected in these heartwarming romances.
- Lovely Setting: The small town of Laramie, Wyoming, is charmingly captured, with its majestic mountains, lakes, woodland, and winding roads providing a picturesque backdrop.
- Comforting Escapism: The film offers the reassuring pleasure of watching beautiful people find their happy endings in lovely homes with stunning views—a welcome escape in fraught times.
What Doesn’t: A Touch of Melodrama
The screenplay by Hoover and Lauren Levine veers slightly towards soap-operatic melodrama at times. However, the film’s overall sweetness and the strong performances make it easy to overlook these moments.
The Verdict
Reminders of Him is a sweet, tender love story elevated by strong lead performances and an irresistibly cute child actor. It’s a feel-good romance that delivers exactly what it promises: a charming escape with a happy ending.
