Movie Info
Based on early screenings and critic previews, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s "Reminders of Him" (officially releasing nationwide on March 13, 2026) is being characterized as a "quiet, devastating heartbreaker" that leans into emotional realism rather than typical Hollywood melodrama.
The Plot
The film stays closely aligned with the 2022 bestseller. Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe) returns to her small Wyoming hometown after serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake that claimed the life of her boyfriend, Scotty. Her only goal is to meet her four-year-old daughter, Diem, who is being raised by Scotty’s grieving and protective parents (played by Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford).
The only bridge to her past is Ledger Ward (Tyriq Withers), a local bar owner and Scotty's former best friend. As a secret romance develops between them, they risk losing the trust of everyone they love.
Early Critical Takeaways
While the official "Review Embargo" doesn't fully lift until the wide release next week, early reviews from press screenings have highlighted several key elements:
The Standout Performances
Maika Monroe: Known primarily for horror (Longlegs, It Follows), Monroe is receiving high marks for her "haunted, weary" portrayal of Kenna. Critics note she avoids "theatrical weeping," opting instead for a performance of quiet, desperate resilience.
Tyriq Withers: The breakout star of the film. Reviewers have praised his chemistry with Monroe, describing it as "magnetic but heavy with guilt." His background as a former athlete is said to bring a grounded, physical presence to the role of Ledger.
The Grandparents: Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford are credited with providing the film’s moral weight, moving beyond "villain" tropes to show the genuine agony of grieving parents.
Maika Monroe: Known primarily for horror (Longlegs, It Follows), Monroe is receiving high marks for her "haunted, weary" portrayal of Kenna. Critics note she avoids "theatrical weeping," opting instead for a performance of quiet, desperate resilience.
Tyriq Withers: The breakout star of the film. Reviewers have praised his chemistry with Monroe, describing it as "magnetic but heavy with guilt." His background as a former athlete is said to bring a grounded, physical presence to the role of Ledger.
The Grandparents: Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford are credited with providing the film’s moral weight, moving beyond "villain" tropes to show the genuine agony of grieving parents.
Direction & Tone
Directed by Vanessa Caswill (Love at First Sight), the movie is being described as visually stark to match its Wyoming setting.
The "Anti-Melodrama": Early reviews suggest the film is surprisingly restrained. It focuses on small, intimate moments—letters, glances, and long silences—rather than big, explosive confrontations.
Fidelity to the Book: Fans of the novel will be pleased; the screenplay was co-written by Colleen Hoover herself, and early viewers claim it captures the "gut-punch" emotional beats the book is famous for.
Quick Film Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Release Date | March 13, 2026 |
| Director | Vanessa Caswill |
| Runtime | 110 Minutes |
| Starring | Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford |
| Cameo | Country star Lainey Wilson (as Kenna's friend, Amy) |
| Rating | PG-13 (Grief, substance references, mature themes) |
.jpg)