I just walked out of the theater and honestly, I need a minute. My coffee's getting cold because I'm just sitting here processing. The ending of 'Reminders of Him' hit me right in the chest—not in a cheap, manipulative way, but in that quiet, lingering way that makes you think about your own relationships and second chances. I keep picturing Maika Monroe's face in that final scene at the bar, that mix of hope and absolute terror. It's a movie about the weight of the past, and I can still feel that weight sitting with me.
🎬 Watch the Official Trailer
What's Reminders of Him About?
The movie follows Kenna, a young woman released from prison, trying to reconnect with her young daughter who's being raised by her late boyfriend's parents. They want nothing to do with her. In this small town, she finds an unexpected connection with Ledger, a local bar owner with ties to her past. It's a drama about redemption, secret love, and whether people deserve a shot at fixing their mistakes, even when those mistakes were catastrophic.
What Works in Reminders of Him
- ✓ Maika Monroe's performance is raw and unflinching. You feel every ounce of Kenna's desperation and guarded hope in her eyes.
- ✓ The chemistry between Monroe and Tyriq Withers (Ledger) feels authentic. Their quiet moments in the bar after hours were magnetic.
- ✓ The small-town setting isn't just backdrop. You feel the claustrophobia of everyone knowing your business, which amps up the tension.
- ✓ Lauren Graham, as the grieving grandmother, delivers a powerhouse of restrained anger and pain. Her scenes are heartbreaking.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The third act gets a bit melodramatic. One particular confrontation at a town event felt engineered for maximum drama.
- ✗ Some plot mechanics, especially around how Kenna gets her job, are a little too convenient to be believable.
- ✗ Rudy Pankow's character, as the best friend, felt underwritten. He was mostly just there to deliver worried looks.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a scene where Kenna is just watching her daughter from across a playground, not allowed to approach. The camera stays on Monroe's face, and you see this entire war of love, regret, and longing without a single word. It wrecked me. Another moment that stuck was a simple one: Ledger teaching Kenna how to change a keg in the bar's basement. It's not romantic, it's practical, but the trust and normalcy in that moment felt more intimate than any kiss. That's where the movie truly shines.
Main Cast: Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Graham
Direction, Music & Visuals
Vanessa Caswill's direction is patient and intimate. She lets scenes breathe, especially the dialogues, which feel like real conversations. The cinematography uses a lot of close-ups, which works because the actors can handle it. The music is subtle—more ambient sound and score than pop songs, which keeps the tone grounded. Monroe is the undeniable standout, carrying the film's emotional core. Withers brings a wonderful, gentle strength to Ledger, making him more than just a romantic savior. Graham and Lainey Wilson, as the pragmatic friend, provide excellent, gritty support.
Director: Vanessa Caswill
Who Should Watch Reminders of Him?
If you're a fan of character-driven dramas that focus on emotional realism over plot twists, this is for you. Readers of Colleen Hoover's novel will appreciate the faithful yet cinematic adaptation. It's also perfect for anyone who loves performances where you can see the actors thinking and feeling—it's an actor's movie through and through.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a fast-paced plot, big romantic gestures, or a light watch, steer clear. This is a slow, sometimes painful burn about heavy themes like grief, guilt, and societal judgment.
Final Verdict
I would absolutely recommend 'Reminders of Him,' especially if you go in knowing it's a drama first and a romance second. It's not a perfect film—it stumbles a bit near the end—but its heart is so true, and its central performance is so compelling, that it earns its emotional payoff. I don't know if I'd watch it again soon; it's a lot to sit with. But I'm glad I saw it. It's the kind of movie that stays in your system, making you wonder what you would do, how hard you would fight, for a chance to make things right.
