On March 13, a film adaptation of the popular Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover was released in theaters. Starring Tyriq Withers and Maika Monroe, who play the messy couple, as well as Rudy Pankow portraying the ex-boyfriend, the story follows the life of a young woman, Kenna Rowan. After a night out with her boyfriend, Rowan is sent to prison for seven years. Kenna’s life only becomes more complicated once she is released from prison, but through this journey she learns more about herself and builds new relationships.
The story begins by following Kenna’s life after she is sentenced to seven years in prison, having been found guilty in connection with her boyfriend Scotty’s death. Throughout the film, Kenna focuses on how to get in contact with her daughter, who was taken from her after her boyfriend’s passing. Through the use of flashbacks, the audience learns more about her life with Scotty and how she came to be in this situation.
The soundtrack and location also play a large role in showing the dynamics and emotions throughout the film. One song that seems particularly impactful is “Yellow,” by Coldplay. It plays during one of the most emotional scenes, when Scotty dies, and it likely leaves many in the audience teary-eyed. The film also includes music from major artists such as Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves and Alex Warren. These artists, combined with the scenery in Canada, where the film was shot, help deliver each scene beautifully.
Kenna displays raw emotion and reflects the struggle of balancing different aspects of life, specifically family, income and romance. Throughout the film, the audience connects with the characters through their journeys of forgiveness, redemption and trust. These qualities are displayed well in the original book, but seeing them brought to life on screen by the actors makes them even more impactful.
With its PG-13 rating and nearly two-hour run time, this movie is perfect for a night with friends or by yourself. It produces both tears and laughs while keeping the audience on edge. Overall, “Reminders of Him” is both a book to read and a movie to watch this year.
