Reminders of Him
Starring: Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford and Zoe Kosovic
Director: Vanessa Caswill
How do I Love this film? Let me count the ways. It’s heart-wrenching, it’s endearing, it’s funny, it’s romantic, it’s devastating, it’s sweet, it’s desperately sad, it’s raw…it’s so many things. It felt like the movie was reaching right into my very soul, gripping it like a vice and trying to rip it out. So, yeah. To say I loved this film is an understatement.
I always say, the fundamental job of an actor is to make the audience believe. To make us feel. To take us into the world of the characters on the screen and make us know what it is to BE them. And damn if this movie doesn’t do just that.
We begin with main character, Kenna (Monroe), arriving in her old town of Laramie, Wyoming after being released from five years in prison. The last time she was here was the night the love of her life, Scotty, was set to propose. The night everything went horribly wrong. The two get into a car accident from which only Kenna survives. Kenna was driving, hence the prison sentence. She later learns she is pregnant with their child and gives birth in prison. Paternal grandparents Patrick and Grace (Whitford and Graham) take custody of the baby. What follows is the unbearable weight of grief as well as the expected turmoil between Kenna and Scotty’s family, who are now raising Diem (Kenna’s daughter). Yes, the name is a reference to the Latin Carpe Diem - “seize the day”. Scotty’s loss is also felt by Ledger (Withers), his childhood best friend. Ledger never met Kenna while Scotty was still alive as he was off playing pro football and understandably resents Kenna at first for Scotty’s death. Eventually Kenna and Ledger meet resulting in serious fireworks, both good and bad ;)
But for now, no more spoilers.
Kudos to director Vanessa Caswill for doing an excellent job of making you feel just how each character struggles with their own unique, forms of grief while simultaneously putting on a happy face for the sake of precocious Diem. The film gives insight into how multifaceted humans are when it comes to complex themes of heartbreak, forgiveness and love. The arrow of time only moves forward. While she can never go back, Kenna can find a way to move forward.
Performances:
Maika Monroe - For a relative unknown, she emotes like nobody’s business. good job, girl.
Tyriq Withers - Easily believable as the affable, protective former NFL player and bff to Scotty turned uncle figure to Diem.
Lauren Graham & Bradley Whitford - Strong supporting cast offering emotional verity.
Zoe Kosovic - Adorable & clever. I imagine her having the best traits of both her parents.
Standouts:
Lady Diana (Monika Myers), who manages to take a small part and turn it into memorable comic relief.
Breathtaking scenery - Thank you, Tim Ives!
Music that pairs beautifully with the emotions of each scene, moving the film along seamlessly.
You’re probably thinking “Geez Steph, not even one bad word?” Nope. Well, I do wish Diem’s name was explored a little more. They act like it’s your average Ashley or Emily. I feel like there’s a story there, but not having read the book I don’t quite get it.
I think the reason I took to this movie so much is because of its universality. We’ve all felt lonliness. I get Kenna. She was all alone in the world. Then she met Scotty and he became her home. His death meant she had no one and nothing left to live for.
Until she did.