Key Takeaways
- Record Score: ‘Reminders of Him’ has debuted with a 63% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest ever for a Colleen Hoover adaptation.
- Star Power: Critics are hailing Maika Monroe’s performance as Kenna Rowan, citing her ability to ground the film’s melodrama.
- Director’s Vision: Vanessa Caswill (Love at First Sight) is credited with a more restrained, naturalistic approach than previous Hoover films.
- Cast Highlights: The film features strong supporting turns from Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, and the film debut of country star Lainey Wilson.
- Box Office Outlook: Early tracking suggests a $10–$15 million opening weekend, positioning it as a steady performer for Universal Pictures.
Summary Lead
Today, March 13, 2026, marks the theatrical debut of ‘Reminders of Him,’ the third major motion picture adaptation from the ‘Colleen Hoover Industrial Complex.’ Following the polarizing reception of 2024’s ‘It Ends with Us’ and the critical stumble of 2025’s ‘Regretting You,’ the stakes were high for Universal Pictures. Early data indicates that ‘Reminders Of Him’ Rotten Tomatoes reviews mildly favor Colleen Hoover’s latest, with the film currently holding a respectable 63% ‘fresh’ rating. This score cements the movie as the most critically successful adaptation of Hoover’s work to date, blending the author’s signature emotional intensity with a more grounded cinematic execution directed by Vanessa Caswill.
The Deep Dive: Why ‘Reminders Of Him’ Rotten Tomatoes Reviews Mildly Favor Colleen Hoover’s Latest
For years, Hollywood has struggled to translate the ‘lizard brain’ addictive quality of Colleen Hoover’s novels into critical acclaim. While ‘It Ends with Us’ was a massive commercial success, its 55% Rotten Tomatoes score reflected a divide between fans and critics. ‘Regretting You’ fared even worse at 29%. However, with ‘Reminders of Him,’ the tide appears to be turning. Critics are noting a newfound restraint in the storytelling, moving away from ‘trauma porn’ and toward a sincere exploration of motherhood and redemption.
A New High for the ‘CoHo’ Universe
The 63% critical consensus suggests that while ‘Reminders of Him’ isn’t a ‘slam dunk,’ it is a significant step up. Reviewers like Owen Gleiberman of Variety have praised the film for being ‘notably restrained,’ noting that it manages to tell its story without making the audience feel emotionally manipulated. This shift is likely due to the screenplay being co-written by Hoover herself alongside Lauren Levine, ensuring that the heart of the 2022 novel—the story of Kenna Rowan’s search for forgiveness—remains intact while shedding some of the more saccharine tropes of the genre.
Maika Monroe’s Career-Defining Turn
Central to the film’s success is Maika Monroe. Known primarily as a ‘scream queen’ for her roles in ‘It Follows’ and ‘Longlegs,’ Monroe delivers a performance that critics are calling ‘quietly devastating.’ As Kenna Rowan, a woman returning to her hometown after serving seven years in prison for the accidental death of her boyfriend, Monroe portrays a level of ‘film-noir’ intensity that elevates the material. Her chemistry with Tyriq Withers, who plays the former NFL player turned bar owner Ledger Ward, has also been highlighted as a major positive, despite some critics finding the romance predictable.
From Page to Screen: Balancing Melodrama and Merit
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Laramie, Wyoming, the film navigates the difficult terrain of grief and social ostracization. The supporting cast, particularly Bradley Whitford and Lauren Graham as the grieving grandparents, provides a weight that counterbalances the central romance. While some reviews, such as those from Screen International, still dismiss the film as a ‘predictable saga,’ the majority acknowledge that Caswill’s direction allows for ‘naturalistic’ moments that were absent in previous adaptations. The inclusion of country star Lainey Wilson in her film debut has also generated buzz, providing a soundtrack and a screen presence that aligns perfectly with the film’s rustic, emotional tone.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q: Is ‘Reminders of Him’ better than ‘It Ends with Us’?
A: According to Rotten Tomatoes, yes. ‘Reminders of Him’ currently holds a 63% rating, surpassing the 55% earned by ‘It Ends with Us.’ Critics generally agree that ‘Reminders of Him’ is a more mature and well-crafted film, though ‘It Ends with Us’ remains the larger commercial phenomenon.
Q: Who stars in the ‘Reminders of Him’ movie?
A: The film stars Maika Monroe as Kenna Rowan and Tyriq Withers as Ledger Ward. The supporting cast includes Rudy Pankow (as Scotty), Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, and Lainey Wilson.
Q: What is the plot of ‘Reminders of Him’?
A: The story follows Kenna Rowan, who returns to her hometown after five years in prison, hoping to reunite with her young daughter. She finds an unexpected ally and romantic interest in Ledger Ward, but must overcome the deep-seated resentment of her daughter’s custodial grandparents.
