Mrs. Colleen Hoover published her contemporary romance novel Reminders of Him in 2022, and the story quickly gained popularity for its emotional depth and focus on redemption and motherhood. In 2026, filmmakers brought the story to the screen, introducing its powerful themes to a wider audience. The film adaptation of Reminders of Him tells the story of Kenna Rowan, a young mother returning to her hometown after serving time in prison. Determined to reconnect with her daughter, Kenna faces resistance from the people around her, particularly those still affected by her past. As she navigates strained relationships and attempts to rebuild her life, the film centers on themes of forgiveness, grief, and second chances. I viewed the film March 21, 2026, and evaluated its storyline, music design, acting, and faithfulness to the novel.
The movie follows Kenna’s emotional journey as she forms an unexpected connection with the guarded Ledger Ward. Their relationship becomes the film’s central storyline, highlighting the tension between moving forward and holding onto past pain. While the film captures these key relationships, it presents them in a more restrained way compared to the novel, with less emphasis on the heavier emotional moments that define the book.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its score. The soundtrack features a mix of original compositions written specifically for the film alongside curated songs from contemporary indie and pop artists, creating a cohesive emotional atmosphere throughout. The original score, composed to mirror Kenna’s internal struggles, relies heavily on soft piano motifs and layered strings, while select tracks, such as melancholic acoustic ballads and stripped-down vocal pieces, enhance pivotal scenes between Kenna and Ledger. In several moments, internal thoughts and detailed narration convey the emotional weight through music. This creates a more visually and sonically driven experience, though it sometimes replaces the depth found in the book. Director Ms. Vanessa Caswill described the tone she intended to establish throughout the movie.
“I think it’s one of Colleen Hoover’s great skills, that she’s able to write these really flawed, imperfect, deeply lovable characters,” Ms. Caswill said, according to deadline.com. “There’s something so real and human in that, that I love, and then she takes quite heavy subject matters, and this does have grief in it and pain in it and loss in it, but it’s not a story of that. It’s actually a story that’s quite uplifting and cathartic and very romantic as well.”
Compared to the book, the film feels less detailed and less dramatic. The novel has an intense emotional depth in the way it fully explores Kenna’s guilt, while the movie simplifies certain storylines to create a more accessible narrative. Some scenes that are especially emotional in the book feel shortened or softened on screen, limiting how strongly I resonated with the film. I think incorporating more emotionally driven scenes could have strengthened the connection between the audience and the characters. However, the casting choices contribute positively to the film’s overall impact. By selecting actors who are not overly recognizable, the film allows viewers to focus on the characters rather than the actors themselves. This helps create a more immersive experience and makes the story feel more realistic and grounded.
As part of Mrs. Hoover’s growing franchise in film adaptations, Reminders of Him reflects a broader trend of bringing popular, emotionally driven novels to the screen. Similar to other adaptations of her work, the film prioritizes popularity and pacing, sometimes at the expense of emotional complexity. However, these productions still succeed in introducing the story to a wider audience and maintaining extreme financial success. This film proved to be no different, bringing in just over $18 million domestically during its opening weekend and more than $28 million worldwide, surpassing expectations for a $25 million dollar production, according to hollywoodreporter.com.
The film’s target audience are viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas and emotional storylines but prefer a lighter and more streamlined experience than the novel provides. Readers of the book may notice the reduced intensity, while new audiences may find the film easier to follow and engage with. Senior Lexi Parsons read the novel and also viewed the new movie. She shared her perspective on the film’s emotional impact.
“Although the movie was well made and followed the plot of the novel, it did not create the same emotional impact as the book,” Lexi said. “The book draws readers into the story in a way that makes them feel like they are inside Kenna’s mind, especially through her letters, which the film places less emphasis on.”
Featured Image by Ellie Furman ’26
