I Used to Go Here 2020
Directed by
Kris Rey
Made by
Gravitas Ventures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of I Used to Go Here (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Writer Kate Conklin finds herself at a crossroads when her engagement falls apart simultaneously with the cancellation of her first novel tour due to disappointing sales. Just as the dust settles, she receives an unexpected invitation from her former professor and mentor, David Kirkpatrick, to speak at her alma mater, the fictional Illinois University in Carbondale.
Upon her return to Carbondale, Kate is taken aback to discover that she will be staying at a cozy bed and breakfast right across from her old college home. There, she encounters three lively young men—Hugo, Tall Brandon, and Animal—who invite her to join their gathering that very night after a heartfelt reading. As she reminisces about her time there, she learns that her old house is still affectionately referred to as “The Writers’ Retreat,” which brings her a wave of nostalgia and pride.
After her event, David proffers Kate a teaching role, which she contemplates seriously. However, as she walks back in the evening, a series of unfortunate events leads her to be locked out of her B&B. Standing outside, she sees students at the party next door and decides to join them, hoping for some distraction. It’s here that she receives an unsettling text from her ex-fiancé, urging her to cease all contact. Comfort comes from Animal and his girlfriend, who generously offer her shelter for the night.
The following day unfolds at a local coffee shop where Kate consults with writing students. There, she meets April, a talented student and Hugo’s girlfriend. While attempting to advise April on how to enhance her writing for better appeal, Kate is taken aback when her suggestions are outright dismissed.
Returning to her previous residence, Kate discovers that April has broken up with Hugo, and there’s lingering suspicion of an affair with Professor Kirkpatrick. Compelled to investigate, Kate, Hugo, and their friends pay a visit to Kirkpatrick’s home, only to stumble upon a shocking scene—April and David in bed together. After a rather awkward encounter, Kirkpatrick discusses his unconventional open marriage, but Kate is left disheartened, especially upon realizing he hasn’t even read her book. Disillusioned, she turns down the teaching position he presented.
Back at the house with Hugo and their other friends, an unexpected bond forms when Hugo extends an invitation for Kate to stay in her old room. As they discuss her previous work, intimacy sparks between them, leading to a romantic connection. The next morning, Kate tries to slip away but bumps into April, who realizes what’s happened and confronts Kate. They share a moment of honesty, as Kate apologizes for her past lack of encouragement, revealing that jealousy and feelings of inadequacy clouded her support.
During her ride home, Kate’s driver shares his admiration for her novel, increasing her sense of validation. However, when reflecting on her journey in the literary world, she ponders if she “could have done better,” leaving room for growth and new beginnings in her evolving narrative.
Timeline
Track the key events of I Used to Go Here (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Engagement Breaks
Kate Conklin's engagement unexpectedly falls apart, leaving her reeling from heartbreak. This emotional turmoil coincides with the cancellation of her first novel tour due to disappointing sales, plunging her deeper into doubt about her future.
Invitation to Alma Mater
Just when Kate feels hopeless, she receives an unexpected invitation from her former professor, David Kirkpatrick, to speak at Illinois University in Carbondale. This opportunity arrives as a chance for her to reconnect with her past and reignite her passion for writing.
Arrival at Carbondale
Upon arriving in Carbondale, Kate stays at a cozy bed and breakfast right across from her old college home. The nostalgia hits her hard as she is reminded of her formative years and the dreams she once had.
Meeting Lively Students
Kate encounters three energetic young men, Hugo, Tall Brandon, and Animal, who invite her to join their gathering after her heartfelt reading. This moment signals a rekindling of her connections with the youthful spirit of her college days.
Teaching Position Offered
After her reading, David Kirkpatrick offers Kate a teaching role, prompting her to reflect deeply on her next steps. The idea of mentoring budding writers is appealing, yet she struggles with her own insecurities.
Locked Out
That evening, an unfortunate series of events leads Kate to be locked out of her B&B. In search of distraction and solace, she decides to join a nearby party, highlighting her need for connection amid her disillusionment.
Unsettling Text
At the party, Kate receives an unsettling text from her ex-fiancé, demanding that she cease all contact. This message adds to her emotional burden as she grapples with unresolved feelings from her past relationship.
Shelter Offered
Finding comfort in Animal and his girlfriend, Kate is generously offered shelter for the night. Their kindness provides her with a temporary safe haven, allowing her to escape her troubles for a moment.
Consulting Writing Students
The next day, Kate meets writing students at a local coffee shop, where she offers advice to April, a talented student. However, she is caught off guard when April outright dismisses her suggestions, revealing the tensions between them.
Complicated Relationships
Returning to her old residence, Kate learns of the breakup between April and Hugo, along with rumors of an affair with Professor Kirkpatrick. This discovery compels Kate and her friends to investigate further.
Confronting David
The group visits Professor Kirkpatrick's home and is stunned to find April and David together in bed. This awkward confrontation reveals David's unconventional open marriage and leaves Kate feeling deeply disheartened.
Declining the Offer
After reflecting on the encounter with Professor Kirkpatrick, Kate makes the tough decision to decline the teaching position he offered. This choice symbolizes her refusal to settle for less than she deserves and her commitment to her own narrative.
Romantic Connection
Back at the house, an unexpected bond forms between Kate and Hugo, leading to an intimate moment. This romantic connection signifies a new chapter in her life as she navigates the complexities of love and friendship.
Confrontation with April
The following morning, Kate bumps into April, who confronts her about the romantic encounter with Hugo. They share a candid moment of honesty, allowing Kate to apologize for her past actions driven by jealousy and insecurity.
Reflection on Growth
During her ride home, Kate's driver expresses admiration for her novel, boosting her self-esteem. As she contemplates her literary journey, she reflects on the possibility of doing better in the future, leaving space for personal growth.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring I Used to Go Here (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kate Conklin
Kate is a writer facing the crossroads of her personal and professional life, navigating the aftermath of a failed engagement and a disappointing literary career. Her journey reflects her vulnerability, as she grapples with feelings of nostalgia, jealousy, and a search for personal validation.
David Kirkpatrick
David is Kate's former professor who offers her a teaching role. He embodies the complexities of adult relationships, revealing an unconventional open marriage that resonates with Kate's own struggles with intimacy and connection.
Hugo
Hugo is a lively young man who becomes a source of comfort for Kate amidst her struggles. His burgeoning relationship with April adds layers of youthful love and heartbreak to the story, ultimately bonding him with Kate in unexpected ways.
April
April is a talented writing student whose personal relationship with Hugo complicates the dynamic. Her confrontations with Kate reveal deeper issues of jealousy and the struggle for affirmation in creative pursuits.
Setting
Uncover the settings of I Used to Go Here (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The narrative unfolds in modern times as Kate grapples with her career and personal challenges. The contemporary setting allows for relatable themes of personal growth and the impact of past experiences on current choices.
Location
Carbondale, Illinois University, The Writers' Retreat
The story takes place in Carbondale, a small city known for its vibrant university atmosphere. Illinois University, where Kate studied, serves as a backdrop for her revisited dreams and aspirations. The Writers' Retreat, her old college home, symbolizes her creative beginnings and evokes a sense of nostalgia throughout her journey.
Themes
Explore the core themes of I Used to Go Here (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💔
Heartbreak
The theme of heartbreak resonates throughout the film as Kate confronts the fallout of her engagement and the mixed emotions tied to her past. This emotional turmoil catalyzes her journey of self-discovery and reevaluation of her life choices.
📚
Literary Aspirations
Literary aspirations drive Kate's interactions and decisions, reflecting the struggle of creative identity. Her experiences with mentoring a writing student reveal her own insecurities and the pressure of artistic expectations.
🔄
New Beginnings
The film explores the theme of new beginnings as Kate considers a teaching position that could reshape her career. It highlights the importance of embracing change and the potential for personal growth after setbacks.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.