Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers bring Hoover's ‘Reminders of Him’ to life

The emotional world of bestselling author Colleen Hoover is headed to the big screen as Reminders of Him arrives in Philippine cinemas on 11 March, powered by stirring performances from Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers.

Personally selected by Hoover, Monroe and Withers take on the complex roles of Kenna Rowan and Ledger Ward in the adaptation of the author’s number one New York Times bestseller. Joining them in the cast are Rudy Pankow, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford.

The story centers on Kenna, a young mother who returns to her hometown after serving seven years in prison following a devastating accident. Determined to reconnect with the daughter she has never met, she is met with resistance from the child’s grandparents, who now have custody. In the middle of rejection and lingering grief, she finds unexpected understanding in Ledger, a local bar owner tied to her past. The film unfolds as a moving portrait of accountability, forgiveness and the fragile hope of a second chance.

Hoover had high praise for Monroe’s interpretation of Kenna.

“Maika captured that perfectly in her audition,” Hoover says. “She has this incredible ability to hold back until the emotion needs to surface. When it does, it’s beautiful. Even in moments of silence, she is doing so much. I cannot imagine anyone else playing Kenna.”

To prepare, Monroe immersed herself in the novel, using it as an emotional guide throughout filming.

“It was incredibly helpful to have the book as a reference,” Monroe says. “There is a level of detail there that you cannot always get from a script. I turned to it often, especially before scenes where Kenna says very little.”

She also carefully portrayed the stark contrast in Kenna before and after the tragedy that reshaped her life.

“Before the accident, she is fun and full of life, and her relationship with Scotty feels easy. Afterward, she is completely changed. That kind of trauma never leaves you. Even in your happiest moments, there is still pain underneath that never fully goes away.”

Opposite her, Withers embodies Ledger, a former NFL player who returns to Laramie to help care for Diem, the daughter of his late best friend. Producer Gina Matthews explained why Withers stood out for the role.

“Ledger needed to feel believable as a former football player, but also emotionally grounded. Tyriq has that presence. He brings strength, warmth and a surprising sensitivity. He kept rising to the top of every conversation,” says producer Gina Matthews.

For Withers, the role felt deeply personal.

“What drew me to Ledger was how closely his story mirrors parts of my own life,” Withers says. “He is carrying grief while trying to be strong for everyone around him. There is a weight he does not talk about. Playing him allowed me to explore my own experiences and learn more about how I cope, how I love, and how I move through pain.”

Having Hoover present during production added another layer of confidence for the actor.

“Having Colleen there was incredible,” Withers says. “She is open and generous, and that gave me confidence. When the person who created the character tells you, ‘You are Ledger,’ it allows you to trust your instincts completely.”