Tolstoy is said to have put it like this: all great stories begin in one of two ways – either a person goes on a journey, or a stranger comes to town.
This story, too, begins on the road. A woman named Kenna returns to the town after seven years away. But now she is a stranger to everything and everyone. What tore her from this town seven years ago was a tragic accident involving her boyfriend, Scotty. She took the blame for the accident and went to prison. She didn’t fight it. After all, once she had lost the man she loved, what did anything matter? In fact, there was a very important reason she didn’t yet know about: she was pregnant.
Kenna gives birth to her baby in prison. Her boyfriend’s family take the baby – Diem – and raise her. When she has served her sentence and is finally free, Kenna has only one dream: to meet her child. And she is ready to do anything to make it happen.
Back in town, she settles into a boarding house called “Paradise”. However heavenly the name may sound, it hardly looks that way at first glance. But in time it truly becomes a paradise for Kenna. The solidarity among the women she finds there, the friendships and the small kindnesses help her get back on her feet.
Kenna is a strong woman. Watching her throughout the film, we feel that strength at every turn.
She has one more way of surviving: writing letters to Scotty, her late boyfriend. Even though she knows they will never be read, she believes that somehow he can feel them. She revisits the places they used to go together – perhaps to ease her pain, if only a little.
There is a bookshop they once used to visit together. Kenna thinks going there will do her good. But in a world where everything changes so quickly, the bookshop has become a bar.
And there she meets Ledger.
Ledger is drawn to Kenna the moment he sees her. In fact, they know of each other by name, but have never met face to face. When he learns her name and notices that hideous orange car, the symbol of her relationship with Scotty, he panics and leaves.
Ledger is a former NFL player. While Scotty was alive, his busy life meant he couldn’t spend enough time with his friend. But after Scotty’s death, he devotes himself entirely to Diem and Scotty’s family.
He shares an extraordinary bond with Diem – like father and daughter, sometimes like big brother and little sister. To protect that bond, he even gives up his own life and breaks off his engagement.
Between Kenna and Ledger, meanwhile, an unexpected understanding develops, which in time grows into a powerful bond.
The rest you’ll have to discover at the cinema.
Opening on 13 March, the film is adapted from Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name. The screenplay was co-written by Colleen Hoover and Lauren Levine.
Strong relationships between women, solidarity and the theme of second chances come to the fore. And our much-loved Lorelai Gilmore – Lauren Graham, that is – plays Scotty’s mother, Diem’s grandmother. Just seeing her in such a hard-edged role is reason enough to be curious.
“Senden Geriye Kalan” (Reminders of Him) is a heartwarming film about how loss can bring people closer together. It tells us that mistakes can sometimes be put right, that a second life is possible, and that a happy world can be built with whatever remains.
With its music, its colours and its feeling, it is a story that touches the heart – and will bring a tear or two to your eyes.
As for the phrase “Güvercin Lan” (roughly, “Pigeon, mate!”) in the title, you’ll understand it once you’ve seen the film – and you’ll love that pigeon metaphor.
And remember:
music doesn’t always make you sad.
I’ll leave you with “Light Over the Hill”, the song that carries the spirit of the film. I recommend listening with headphones, though.
Director: Vanessa Caswill
Screenplay: Colleen Hoover, Lauren Levine
Cinematography: Tim Ives
Music: Tom Howe
Cast:
Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Nicholas Duvernay, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, Zoe Kosovic, Jennifer Robertson, Hilary Jardine, Bud Klasky
USA | Romance – Drama | 115 min
