Movie Review: ‘Reminders of Him’

With Vanessa Caswill (‘Love at First Sight’) in the director’s chair, the cast also includes Tyriq Withers (‘HIM’), Lauren Graham (‘Gilmore Girls’), Bradley Whitford (‘Get Out’), Rudy Pankow (‘Uncharted’), Zoe Kosovic (‘The Smashing Machine’) and Jennifer Robertson (‘Ginny & Georgia’).

Related Article: Tyriq Withers Talks ‘HIM’ Digital Release and Working with Marlon Wayans

Initial Thoughts

Maika Monroe as Kenna Rowan in ‘Reminders of Him,’ directed by Vanessa Caswill. Photo: Universal Studios.

Move over Nicholas Sparks; Colleen Hoover is the romance novelist of choice at the moment for movies –– two of her tomes, ‘It Ends with Us’ and ‘Regretting You’ have already been brought to screens, and following this latest one, ‘Verity’ will be headed our way later in the year.

‘Reminders of Him’ doesn’t have the fireworks or (yet, at least) the behind-the-scenes legal drama of ‘It Ends with Us’, but what it does offer is a straightforward, emotional story of grief, regret and reconciliation that never quite comes alive the way it might.

Script and Direction

Director Vanessa Caswill on the set of Reminders of Him.’ Photo: Universal Studios.

Hoover here co-writes an adaptation of one of her books for the first time, working alongside fellow producer Lauren Levine, and readers of the source material can expect a largely faithful adaptation, albeit with some hefty chunks taken out of Kenna’s (Monroe) prison time and changes to the accident that is central to the story that paint her in a far better light.

Director Vanessa Caswill, meanwhile, aided by some beautiful Canadian scenery (standing in for Laramie, Wyoming), sets everything up decently, and draws some good performances out of the cast, but never challenges the great romantic dramas in the quality stakes.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Ledger Ward (Tyriq Withers) and Grace Landry (Lauren Graham) in ‘Reminders of Him,’ directed by Vanessa Caswill. Photo: Universal Studios.

Maika Monroe is the heart of the film for sure, her soulful performance providing much of the reason to watch. Tyriq Withers, meanwhile, comes across as a budget Channing Tatum with less of his natural charisma.

The supporting cast are mostly relegated to a handful of scenes, though Bradley Whitford and Lauren Graham put in stalwart work as the bitter parents of Kenna’s late boyfriend (Pankow), who are raising his young daughter.

Final Thoughts

(L to R) Patrick Landry (Bradley Whitford) and Ledger Ward (Tyriq Withers) in ‘Reminders of Him,’ directed by Vanessa Caswill. Photo: Universal Studios.

It’ll likely get the date night crowd in, but ‘Reminders of Him’ is a very straightforward romantic drama that ambles when it should be providing a satisfying, driven story.

‘Reminders of Him’ receives 65 out of 100.

(L to R) Diem Landry (Zoe Kosovic) and Ledger Ward (Tyriq Withers) in ‘Reminders of Him,’ directed by Vanessa Caswill. Photo: Universal Studios. 

What’s the story of ‘Reminders of Him’?

When Diem’s custodial grandparents adamantly refuse Kenna’s attempts to see her daughter, Kenna discovers unexpected compassion, and then something truer and deeper, with former NFL player and local bar owner Ledger.

As their secret romance develops, so do the dangers for both of them, leading Kenna toward heartbreak and, ultimately, the hope for a second chance.

Who is in the cast of ‘Reminders of Him’?

• Maika Monroe as Kenna Rowan
• Tyriq Withers as Ledger Ward
• Rudy Pankow as Scotty Landry
• Lauren Graham as Grace Landry
• Bradley Whitford as Patrick Landry
• Lainey Wilson as Amy
• Jennifer Robertson as Ruth
• Zoe Kosovic as Diem Landry

(L to R) Ledger Ward (Tyriq Withers) and Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe) in ‘Reminders of Him,’ directed by Vanessa Caswill. Photo: Universal Studios.

List of Maika Monroe Movies and TV Shows:

Buy Tickets: ‘Reminders of Him’ Showtimes

Buy Colleen Hoover Movies on Amazon