Columbus 2017

In Columbus, Indiana, Jin Lee arrives from South Korea to watch over his estranged father, who, while visiting the town to give a lecture about architecture, has fallen into a coma and is now in a local hospital. One day, Casey, a young woman who works in a library near the hospital, crosses paths with him. Casey lives with and takes care of her mother, a recovering drug addict.

What begins as a chance meeting soon blossoms into a meaningful connection. Jin and Casey form a quiet, growing rapport as she guides him around Columbus for several days, offering him a local’s view of the town and its architectural fingerprints. Through their conversations, they reveal not only their shared fascination with architecture but also deeper parts of themselves. Jin speaks about the bitterness and resentment he feels toward his father, whom he believes prioritized work over family. Casey, meanwhile, opens up about her own dream of working in architecture, paired with the weight of caring for her mother and the fear of choosing her own future over the life she has known.

As they stroll through streets and spaces that blend form with memory, Jin urges Casey to recognize that her life is hers to live, stressing that she should not be shackled by responsibility if it means denying her own ambitions. Casey absorbs this reminder, feeling the pull of a future that could be shaped by her talents rather than by duty alone.

Then comes a late-night disclosure that tests Casey’s resolve. She discovers her mother may have relapsed, leading to a tense moment of doubt. However, the truth gradually emerges: her mother has not relapsed, but has started seeing a new partner. This revelation crystallizes Casey’s decision about where she should tread next. Realizing that her best path lies in pursuing her architectural dreams, she chooses to move on from Columbus.

The farewell between Jin and Casey is tender and poignant. They share a meaningful hug as Casey prepares to leave, seeking a fresh start elsewhere, while Jin remains behind to stay with his ailing father. The film closes on a note of quiet, hopeful possibility, underscored by the idea that personal growth often requires drawing boundaries and choosing paths that align with one’s own calling.