Reminders of Him, first debuting in theaters on March 13, 2026, is the book-to-film adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel, written by Colleen Hoover. The film stars Maika Monroe as the main character, Kenna Rowan, who returns to her small hometown of Laramie, Wyoming, to rebuild her life after a devastating accident that shook her world.
In the years prior, Kenna had been sentenced to jail time for a drunk driving accident that killed her boyfriend, Scotty, played by Rudy Pankow. After her time in jail, she is ready to meet their young daughter Diem, played by Zoe Kosovic, for the first time.
Despite her efforts to build a connection with Diem, the accident has left Kenna looking like the villain, especially to Scotty’s parents, Grace and Patrick, played by Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford, who withhold Kenna from seeing Diem.
As the film is based on a book, the movie is bound to have some differences from the novel. However, the film still encompasses everything that makes the story worth experiencing. The complex values of finding hope while healing, mixed with choosing to create a better future while still honoring the past, are incorporated throughout the movie
All around the small town, Kenna is presented with reminders of Scotty and the mistakes that took him away from her. She is surrounded by the haunting memories that make moving forward difficult.
The small town leaves Kenna little room for second chances, making the accident all-consuming and what everyone sees her as. However, popular town local and Scotty’s best friend Ledger, played by Tyriq Winters, is able to see past Kenna’s complicated past and help her look toward her future.
With the huge mistake that Kenna made in her past, she felt that she had nothing to live for, but Ledger is able to help her see that her mistake does not define who she is and that she still has the choice to choose a better future.
Despite external pressures, Ledger works to understand Kenna’s perspective of the situation and helps others see that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.
The dynamic Kenna and Ledger create highlights how complex forgiveness is, involving the aspect of being forgiven by others, but also forgiving oneself. Showing how forgiveness can be the first step towards building a new life without regret.
Ledger is able to help Kenna see that the “reminders of him,” despite their hurt, can be a positive thing. Showing how one’s past does not define who they are as a person and that it can be a measure for change, while still being accepted and honored to create a better future.
The complex film that is Reminders of Him touches on love, loss, and a second chance, showing its viewers that grief and life can coexist. Despite Kenna’s many mistakes, the film encompasses the idea that people are capable of growth despite what their past beholds.
