'Blood doesn't necessarily make you family'

Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers join director Vanessa Caswill to discuss their new romantic drama film, Reminders of Him

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American author Colleen Hoover, known for novels that explore themes of personal trauma and relationships, has had several of her books adapted into films in recent years.

The first adaptation, the 2024 film It Ends With Us, which tells the story of an abusive relationship, was mired in controversy following a dispute between director Justin Baldoni and lead actress Blake Lively.

This was followed in 2025 by Regretting You, a romantic drama starring Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco and Mason Thames, based on Hoover's 2019 novel of the same name.

The latest adaptation, Reminders of Him, based on Hoover's 2022 novel, stars Tyriq Withers and Maika Monroe and is directed by British filmmaker Vanessa Caswill.

Monroe plays Kenna Rowan, an ex-convict who served seven years in prison after a car crash that killed her boyfriend.

The story follows Kenna's return to her hometown in Wyoming, where she hopes to rebuild her life and earn the chance to reunite with her young daughter, Diem, whom she has never met.

When Diem's custodial grandparents, Grace and Patrick, played by Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford, refuse Kenna's attempts to see her daughter, Kenna develops an unexpected emotional connection with former NFL player and local bar owner Ledger, played by Withers.

Withers, 27, who has previously starred in Him and I Know What You Did Last Summer, spoke about the importance of working with a female-led creative team on the film.

“I'm so inspired by being involved in a story that I serve as a vessel of education and a story that's deeply rooted in motherhood,” the American actor said.