New Colleen Hoover Movie 'Reminders of Him' Explores Forgiveness When All Seems Lost

Actress Maika Monroe and Director Vanessa Caswill on the set of 'Reminders of Him'. Photo image courtesy Universal Pictures
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful yet misunderstood human qualities. In a world where hurt, betrayal, and conflict are common experiences, the ability to forgive offers a path toward healing and personal freedom.

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting the pain or excusing wrongdoing; rather, it is the conscious decision to release resentment and anger.

By choosing forgiveness, individuals free themselves from the burden of bitterness and open the door to emotional growth, stronger relationships, and inner peace.

Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2022 novel, Reminders of Him, a new major motion picture releasing in theaters this weekend, traces the story of a young woman trying to pick up the pieces after being released from prison for a crime she had no intention of committing. Facing criticism and harsh treatment as she tries to reconnect with her young daughter, remorse may come easy for her but gaining the forgiveness of others seems like an impossible task.

I recently sat down with Reminders of Him director Vanessa Caswill to discuss the importance of a second chance, maintaining hope when others refuse to forgive you, and how finding common ground in our weaknesses can be a complete game changer.

What is it about Colleen Hoover’s book that drew you in?

I feel like her writing is very unique. She writes about flawed, imperfect people, and their longing and their sorrow. She does it in a way that's got humor and compassion. And I really responded to that. I also responded to the fact that it's a story about motherhood and I'm a mother myself. I really resonate with stories about that and it explores grief and forgiveness. Those themes that are interesting to me.

This movie is very much about the hope for a second chance. Why is this such an important theme to explore in the world we are living in today?

In the world we're living in right now, I think that there's a huge amount of divisiveness, polarity, and reason to hate each other, especially on social media. It's a bit out of control in regard to the level that people are willing to judge and hate. Film as a fairytale or parable, a contemporary fairytale of being able to see the other's perspective in a way that is softening and human.

In the lead character Kenna’s case, she learns that remorse does not guarantee forgiveness. Despite her best intentions, the family she affected doesn’t seem interested in making amends. What advice do you have for people who find themselves in similar situations?

If you are struggling to forgive someone, which is a very human thing and very natural thing, and I totally understand it, but it's painful for the person who's struggling to forgive. It's almost as painful for them as it is for the person who's not forgiven. I think there's something very liberating if one can try and find a way to do it within themselves, for their own internal freedom, if not to just bring compassion to another. But it's difficult and not always possible or not always easy, but I do think that if one is intentional about it, there is a long distance one can go if they want.

You mentioned motherhood earlier in our conversation. Motherhood shapes this story at every level. From Kenna to Grace who lost her son in this tragedy. Why was it so important to bring this aspect of Colleen Hoover’s story to the forefront of the film?

It's fundamentally a story. It's a love story and a romance, but underneath that, it's a story about two mothers who are both wrestling with their own grief. Both are not able to move forward or not knowing how to. Even though it's extreme in our story, there's a universality in it for any mother.

Editor's Note: Reminders of Him is rated PG-13 for strong language, sexual content, and drug content.