Ahead of release, the cast of Reminders of Him is opening up about the emotional weight behind their characters and the moments in the story that left the biggest impact.
In a cast interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act, Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers and Rudy Pankow recently reflected on the scenes and character journeys that stood out most while bringing the film to life.
In the Universal Pictures film, Kenna (Monroe) returns to her Wyoming hometown after serving seven years in prison, hoping to rebuild her life and finally meet the daughter she’s never known. When her child’s grandparents (Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford) block her attempts, she finds unexpected support in Ledger (Withers), a former NFL player and local bar owner. As their connection deepens into a secret romance, the pair must navigate the risks it brings while Kenna fights for a second chance with her daughter.
Maika Monroe on a vulnerable turning point for Kenna
Monroe said one of the most meaningful scenes for her involved a deeply emotional moment that allowed her to fully understand her character, Kenna.
“Well, I think a really big moment for me was the film in the field when I open up and sort of break down for the first time. And I think there was, I don’t know, something within that scene that sort of broke open for me that I understood her on a very deep level. So that was a very meaningful scene to me,” Monroe told us.
Tyriq Withers on guilt, growth and Ledger’s journey
Withers discussed how guilt shapes his character Ledger and ultimately pushes him toward growth.
“Yeah. I think there’s this guilt of chasing greatness that he was on that path of being a professional football player. And I think there’s this notion that you have to isolate to elevate. And I think when something tragic happens, I can relate to that. It awakens something in you, and it redefines what life really means,” he explained.
He added that Ledger’s perspective shifts when Kenna enters the picture, and he becomes more focused on protecting Diem.
“And yeah, I think now meeting Kenna and protecting Diem, he’s more present in the moment, and he doesn’t want to make any mistakes. And I think he just wants the best for Diem to have her mother there. And I think you learn from those mistakes, and you become more empathetic, and you surround yourself with people who push you to be a better human. And I think Roman (Nicholas Duvernay) was that catalyst in this film,” he said.
The actor also reflected on the complexity of portraying Ledger, who carries much of the emotional weight in the story.
“Definitely, this role was one where I had to age up and carry the essence of someone who’s carrying the weight of the world and owns a bar, is a T-ball coach, drives a Ford F-250, and yeah, and be the driving force for the story, and you have a relationship with the parents and track the journey of disdain to acceptance to love. And yeah, I think that it’s the quiet nuance emotion that Ledger, you see it crack open a little bit more, and holding the space for Kenna’s character and understanding and not allowing how I feel about Maika to bleed into the performance because I do have a deep love for Maika, but there’s certain parts of the story that I couldn’t allow that to happen. So yeah,” Withers said.
Rudy Pankow on Scotty’s lasting presence in the story
Although Pankow’s character Scotty appears through flashbacks, the actor said his presence is meant to shape the emotional core of the film.
“The background is 100% what you said, it’s like knowing what has led up to this point, knowing exactly all the attributes that these lovely parents have taught and put into Scotty,” Pankow told Blavity.
He added that acceptance and openness are key traits that define the character.
“And I think the one that comes to mind right now is acceptance and who people are. And I think Scotty’s very welcoming in the sense of like, you come who you are and I will be as present and accepting of whoever you are. And I think that is instilled into him by these lovely parents. And I felt that. I felt like Scotty wants to connect with anyone. And I think bringing that to Scotty was an important job,” Pankow said.
The film is in theaters on March 13.
