In one sentence: In Reminders of Him, a young mother, recently released from prison, returns home determined to rebuild her life and form a relationship with the daughter she has never held, only to find her past standing firmly in the way.

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Colleen Hoover’s latest adaptation, Reminders of Him, may follow a somewhat predictable path, but it marks a return to form, echoing the strengths of It Ends with Us and leaving Regretting You firmly in its rearview mirror.

The film follows Kenna (Maika Monroe), who has been released from prison after serving time for vehicular manslaughter, the accident that killed her boyfriend Scotty (Rudy Pankow). We learn that Kenna gave birth to a daughter, Diem (Zoe Kosovic), while in prison and she is now determined to rebuild her life with the hope of forming a relationship with a child she has never even held. In her search for work, she meets Ledger (Tyriq Withers), who is soon revealed to have been Scotty’s best friend. Having been away training for the NFL at the time of the accident, Ledger has since become a significant presence in Diem’s life. He finds himself caught in an increasingly difficult position when he begins to develop feelings for Kenna.

The film leans into the familiar, emotionally charged formula often associated with Nicholas Sparks adaptations; melodramatic, heartfelt and designed to draw in a wide audience. I watched it on opening night and the cinema was packed, which is a rare and welcome sight. Hoover’s popularity is undeniable and while I have read several of her books, I had not read this one, which allowed me to engage with the film without comparing it to its source material. As always, the debate over whether the book or film is better remains unresolved.

The performances are strong throughout. Despite Hoover’s tendency toward unusual character names, the characters feel grounded and believable. As is often the case in her stories, not everything is as it first appears. Kenna is a layered character and Monroe does an excellent job of gradually revealing her complexity. The use of letters Kenna writes to Scotty is an effective narrative device, allowing the audience insight into her thoughts and emotions while maintaining her guarded nature. One small detail I would have liked to see more of, however, is her care for her kitten. This might have made her feel even more sympathetic.

Moments of humour are woven into the film through supporting characters such as Lady Diana (Monika Myers) and Ruth (Jennifer Robertson), providing welcome relief from the central drama. At the same time, the film does not shy away from its heavier emotional beats, particularly in the portrayal of Scotty’s parents. Lauren Graham, best known for her role as Lorelai Gilmore, demonstrates impressive range here. The romance between Kenna and Ledger introduces an element of the forbidden, adding further tension to an already complex situation and helping to round out the narrative.

The film explores a number of themes, including regret, misunderstanding, trauma, motherhood, forgiveness and accountability. These are likely to resonate strongly with many viewers, particularly female audiences, though there is enough emotional depth here to appeal more broadly.

There is also a clear attention to detail in the film’s use of music and visual motifs. The recurring use of the colour yellow, appearing in settings, food subtle design choices and the Coldplay song, creates a sense of cohesion throughout. It is also widely known as a the colour of hope. Songs such as Neon Moon and The Night We Met may feel contemporary, but they are used effectively and with purpose, enhancing the emotional tone of key moments.

Overall, Reminders of Him may lean into melodrama and follow a familiar structure, but it remains an engaging and emotionally grounded watch. Strong performances, thoughtful storytelling choices and resonant themes ensure it is a film worth seeing, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Ultimately, Reminders of Him shows that while the past cannot be changed, forgiveness and second chances may still be possible.

★★★½ (3.5/5)