Is the movie as 'spicy' as the Colleen Hoover books?

It tones things down slightly to maintain a PG-13 rating, focusing more on the emotional longing than the physical descriptions found in the book. It's romantic and intense, but not explicit.

Do you need to read the book to understand the movie?

Not at all. The film does a solid job of laying out the backstory through flashbacks, though book fans will appreciate the small nods to the original text.

Is the car accident scene graphic?

The accident is depicted in a way that emphasizes the emotional trauma rather than the gore. It's jarring and sad, but not a 'slasher' or 'horror' level of violence.

Is this appropriate for a 12-year-old who is a mature reader?

If they've already been reading similar YA or New Adult fiction, they'll be fine. The main hurdle isn't the 'inappropriate' content, but the heavy, slow-burn emotional weight which might bore a younger kid.

Reminders of Him – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Reminders of Him

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2026

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A heavy-hitting redemption drama about a mother fighting for a second chance that proves forgiveness is rarely a straight line.

6.3/10

56%

88%

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Reminders of Him

movie

PG-13, 2026

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A heavy-hitting redemption drama about a mother fighting for a second chance that proves forgiveness is rarely a straight line.

6.3

56%

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6.3/10

56%

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Screenwise Verdict

If your teen is part of the 'BookTok' generation, they’ve likely been waiting for this adaptation with a box of tissues ready. It’s a faithful, if somewhat melancholic, translation of the novel that doesn't shy away from the messiness of its premise.

It isn't a 'fun' watch, but it is a compelling one. It treats its audience like adults, assuming they can handle the moral gray areas of a woman trying to reclaim a life she essentially threw away. It’s a great pick for a co-watch with a teen who likes stories that make them feel everything all at once.

Age Fit

This is a solid fit for the 13+ crowd, especially those who have already discovered the Colleen Hoover section of the bookstore. It's too heavy and slow for younger kids, but it's a great 'grown-up' drama for teens looking for something with real emotional stakes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

At its heart, it is a story about a mother trying to earn her way back into her child's life, emphasizing forgiveness and personal growth over bitterness.

Imaginative

It follows standard contemporary romance and drama tropes. While the emotional beats are effective, it doesn't break new ground in storytelling or visual style.

Safe

It deals with heavy emotional baggage—death, incarceration, and intense grief. While not 'unsafe,' the romantic intensity and tragic backstory are geared toward a more mature viewer.

Enriching

It offers a nuanced look at the aftermath of a tragedy, showing that 'villains' are often just people who made terrible mistakes and are trying to heal.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Emotional depth that goes beyond your average romance, tackling the complexities of guilt and the legal system's impact on families.
Subverts the 'perfect protagonist' trope by giving us Kenna, a lead who has made a massive, life-altering mistake and has to own it.
Strong source material from Colleen Hoover means the built-in fan base will find plenty of the 'gut-punch' moments they expect.
Redemption arc that feels earned rather than gifted, making for a satisfying, if tear-filled, conclusion.

⚠

What to Watch For

The central tragedy involves a fatal car accident, which is described and revisited in flashbacks; it’s the emotional anchor of the film and can be very heavy.
Expect some moderate sexual tension and romance that leans into the 'New Adult' genre—not quite explicit, but definitely intended for a teen-and-up audience.
The grief is visceral; if your kid has recently dealt with loss or family separation, this will hit very close to home.

Conversation Starters

"Is it possible to fully forgive someone for a mistake that caused a death?"
"Why do you think Diem's grandparents were so resistant to letting Kenna back in? Were they wrong, or just protective?"
"Kenna spent five years in prison. Do you think the 'debt to society' is actually paid once someone is released, or does it follow them forever?"
"How does Ledger's position as a friend of the deceased make his relationship with Kenna more complicated?"

Deep Dive

The Colleen Hoover Effect

By 2026, the 'CoHo' cinematic universe is in full swing, and Reminders of Him is perhaps the most grounded of the bunch. Unlike some of her other works that lean into more sensationalist thriller territory, this is a pure character study about the weight of a single, devastating moment. For parents, the interest here is in how the film handles accountability. It doesn't let Kenna off the hook easily, which is a refreshing change from dramas that try to 'fix' everything with a simple apology.

Why the Critics and Audience Disagree

You'll notice the massive gap between the 56% critic score and the 88% audience score. That’s because this movie is built for the fans, not for the Academy. Critics find the dialogue a bit melodramatic and the plot predictable; fans find the emotional resonance exactly what they signed up for. If your kid likes 'sad girl' aesthetics or high-stakes emotional dramas like The Fault in Our Stars, they will likely side with the audience here.

A Note on the 'Romance'

While the marketing pushes the romance between Kenna and Ledger, the real story is the relationship between Kenna and her absent daughter, Diem. The romance serves as a bridge to that goal. Ledger isn't just a love interest; he's a gatekeeper and a witness to her growth. It’s a useful way to talk to teens about how healthy relationships should support your personal goals and your healing, rather than just being a distraction from your problems.