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I Used to Go Here 2020

After a disappointing book tour, writer Kate Conklin returns to her college for a speaking engagement, reconnecting with a former professor and an old crush. Hoping to find comfort in familiar surroundings, she instead finds herself entangled in a series of awkward situations with current students. As she navigates these encounters, Kate also confronts feelings of jealousy towards her professor’s new student, leading to a complicated and humorous exploration of regret and lost potential.

After a disappointing book tour, writer Kate Conklin returns to her college for a speaking engagement, reconnecting with a former professor and an old crush. Hoping to find comfort in familiar surroundings, she instead finds herself entangled in a series of awkward situations with current students. As she navigates these encounters, Kate also confronts feelings of jealousy towards her professor’s new student, leading to a complicated and humorous exploration of regret and lost potential.

Does I Used to Go Here have end credit scenes?

No!

I Used to Go Here does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of I Used to Go Here

Explore the complete cast of I Used to Go Here, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for I Used to Go Here

See how I Used to Go Here is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where I Used to Go Here stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

62

The film’s overall strengths lie in its authentic character portrayals and subtle craft, though it is hindered by an uneven narrative and limited sensory distinction. Reviews commend the central performance and ensemble chemistry while noting the plot’s meandering pacing and underdeveloped conflicts. Critics appreciate the honest tone and occasional humor, but some find the story lacking depth and focus. Ultimately, the film offers modest appeal, resonating more in its performances than in its structural or sensory achievements.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for I Used to Go Here

70
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film presents measured framing and competent editing yet stops short of delivering a distinctive visual identity. Critics note the production design supports the narrative’s grounded tone without drawing attention to itself, while no significant cinematographic innovations emerge. The modest visual cohesion serves the story’s intimacy but offers limited aesthetic impact.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from a committed lead and supportive ensemble that convey believable rapport. Multiple reviews highlight Gillian Jacobs’s nuanced portrayal of midlife uncertainty and note moments of genuine empathy. However, some comments point to underdeveloped secondary roles and occasional dips in emotional depth. Overall, the character work anchors the narrative even as it leaves some arcs underexplored.

50
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the narrative maintains a consistent, conversational rhythm yet often feels meandering. Critics and users observe that plot events sometimes appear unmotivated and that conflicts lack sufficient escalation. While the film’s relatable themes resonate in moments, the overall structure delivers few surprising turns. Consequently, the storytelling provides intermittent engagement but rarely achieves sustained momentum.

60
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Regarding sensory experience, the film employs a restrained audio-visual palette that underscores its intimate tone but refrains from immersive stylistic flair. The soundtrack offers unobtrusive accompaniment without memorable themes, and sound design remains functional rather than expressive. Visually, the production adheres to naturalistic lighting and simple compositions. As a result, the sensory elements support the story’s realism but deliver limited sensory distinction.

50
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When considering rewatch factor, the film’s authentic moments and strong performances offer occasional rewards but limited replay value. Viewers may appreciate nuanced character exchanges and subtle tonal shifts on a second viewing, yet the absence of significant narrative twists or hidden layers reduces ongoing discovery. The consistent pacing also means subsequent viewings replicate the same emotional beats. Ultimately, the film provides modest appeal for revisits without compelling new insights.

Metacritic

68

Metascore

5.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

86%

TOMATOMETER

review

40%

User Score

IMDb

5.6 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

56

%

User Score

Letterboxd

2.8

From 2 fan ratings

Movie Insider

5.00/5

From 1 fan rating

Take the Ultimate I Used to Go Here Movie Quiz

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I Used to Go Here Quiz: Test your knowledge of the movie "I Used to Go Here" with this 10-question quiz!

What prompts Kate Conklin's return to her alma mater?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for I Used to Go Here

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Read the complete plot summary of I Used to Go Here, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


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.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for I Used to Go Here

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Official UK Trailer

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


writerf ratedfriendshipfrienduniversityprofessormale female relationshiptitle directed by femalenovelyoung adultkeg partyex fiancedirected by writercollege professorchicago illinoisbook authorbox of wedding invitationsbaby showerreading by authoralma matercarbondale illinoisbest friendlake swimmingwriting classnew york review of booksbad reviewski maskcaught being unfaithfulteacher student seximplied sexolder woman younger man sexdirector cameobare chested malecollegeoveralls

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