The latest cinematic journey into the emotional world of bestselling author Colleen Hoover has arrived. Reminders of Him, which finally hit theaters this past weekend after a strategic delay, is already making waves by setting a new personal record for Hoover's film adaptations. While her previous movies like It Ends With Us and Regretting You struggled to win over critics, this new entry has managed to climb to the top of her Rotten Tomatoes chart—though the victory comes with some significant caveats.
Directed by Vanessa Caswill, the film tells a poignant story centered on motherhood, redemption, and second chances. The plot follows a young woman, played by Maika Monroe (It Follows), who returns to her hometown after serving a prison sentence for a tragic error. Her mission to rebuild her life and reconnect with her young daughter hits a major roadblock: the child's custodial grandparents, portrayed by Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford, are fiercely protective and unwilling to welcome her back into their lives. Adding layers of complexity are a secret romance and the kind of heartfelt drama that has become Hoover's signature.
The cast is a compelling mix of talent. Alongside Monroe and the beloved Gilmore Girls alum Lauren Graham, the film features Tyriq Withers and introduces country music star Lainey Wilson in her first major acting role. Their performances anchor a narrative that aims straight for the heartstrings, hoping to replicate the massive audience connection of Hoover's previous hits.
So, what's the critical verdict? According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Reminders of Him currently holds a 56% approval rating from critics. While that score may seem modest, it's enough to make it Hoover's highest-rated film adaptation to date, a fact that speaks more to the harsh reception of her earlier movies than to universal acclaim for this one. The audience reaction, however, tells a different story. Moviegoers have embraced the film with an enthusiastic 89% score, highlighting the recurring divide between professional critics and Hoover's devoted fanbase. For more on the hit-or-miss nature of book-to-screen transitions, explore our feature on when Hollywood misses the mark with novel adaptations.
This release continues the prolific author's domination of both bookshelves and box offices. While Reminders of Him may not reach the commercial heights of It Ends With Us, its strong audience score suggests it will find a dedicated viewership. Interestingly, the future of that blockbuster's sequel remains uncertain, as Colleen Hoover has recently cast doubt on an 'It Ends with Us' follow-up, despite overwhelming fan demand.
For those who can't get enough of Hoover's twisty tales, the pipeline of adaptations is far from dry. The next project on the horizon is Verity, a film adaptation of her 2018 psychological thriller. Slated for an October 2026 release, it boasts an A-list cast including Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett. Directed by Michael Showalter, this venture into darker, suspenseful territory promises to be a significant departure from the emotional dramas Hoover is known for, potentially attracting a whole new segment of filmgoers.
Reminders of Him is now playing in theaters, offering audiences another dose of the author's signature blend of romance and turmoil. Whether you're a longtime Hoover devotee or a newcomer curious about the phenomenon, the film's contrasting scores present a clear question: will you side with the critics or the crowd? As the landscape of streaming and theatrical releases constantly evolves, with surprises like the recent chart-topping success of 'The Count of Monte Cristo' adaptation, the performance of star-driven dramas like this one remains a fascinating bellwether for audience tastes.
