What are the main themes of I Used to Go Here?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Heartbreak, Literary Aspirations and New Beginnings.

Who directed I Used to Go Here?

I Used to Go Here (2020) was directed by Kris Rey and runs 1 hour 20 minutes.

I Used to Go Here Plot Summary & Timeline

Q: Who are the main characters in I Used to Go Here?

The story follows Kate Conklin, David Kirkpatrick (played by Jemaine Clement), Hugo (played by Josh Wiggins) and April (played by Hannah Marks).

No spoilers

What Is I Used to Go Here About?

The premise of I Used to Go Here in 275 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the quiet Midwestern town of Carbondale, a once‑promising novelist finds herself at a crossroads. After a lukewarm book tour and a sudden invitation, Kate Conklin returns to the campus where she first discovered her love for words, hoping the familiar brick‑and‑mortar will offer a moment of respite and a chance to regroup.

The university itself feels like a character, its aging lecture halls and quirky student haunts humming with the restless energy of youth. There, David Kirkpatrick, the mentor whose lectures once shaped Kate’s voice, greets her with a mix of nostalgia and lingering professional respect. At the same time, old sparks flicker when she reconnects with Hugo, a charismatic former classmate whose presence once hinted at what might have been. The bustling dorms and coffee‑filled corridors now teem with a new generation, including the enigmatic Animal and the fiercely talented April, whose ambitions both inspire and unsettle Kate as she navigates her own lingering doubts.

The film balances sharp humor with gentle melancholy, capturing the awkward grace of adult life intersecting with college‑age optimism. Kate’s interactions are a dance of polite conversation and unspoken yearning, each encounter offering a mirror to her own regrets and unrealized potential. The tone is warm‑hearted yet witty, inviting the audience to laugh at the absurdities of academic life while feeling the sting of a career that has not quite lived up to its promise.

_As the days unfold, Kate discovers that the campus’s familiar rhythm may hold more than just memories—it may also hold the clues to redefining herself, both as a writer and as a person navigating the tangled web of past affections and present possibilities.

Full plot

What Happens in I Used to Go Here?

The complete story of I Used to Go Here, from the first scene to the last, in 491 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

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

I Used to Go Here Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Engagement Breaks” to “Reflection on Growth”. 12 events name a place, across 11 locations.

1

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.
2

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.

Where:Illinois University, Carbondale
3

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.

Where:Carbondale, Illinois
4

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.

When:Evening Where:Bed and Breakfast
5

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.
6

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.

When:Night Where:Outside B&B
7

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.

Where:Party
8

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.

Where:Animal's Place
9

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.

Where:Local Coffee Shop
10

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.

Where:Old Residence

Show the other 5 events of I Used to Go Here

11

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.

Where:Kirkpatrick's Home
12

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.
13

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.

Where:Hugo's Residence
14

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.

Where:Hugo's Residence
15

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.

Where:On the Road

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in I Used to Go Here?

4 characters, among them Kate Conklin, David Kirkpatrick and Hugo: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.

KC
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.
- ✍️ Writer
- 💪 Resilient
- ❤️ Vulnerable
David Kirkpatrick

Played by Jemaine Clement

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.
- 🎓 Mentor
- ❓ Complex
- 💔 Disappointed
Hugo

Played by Josh Wiggins

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.
- 🌟 Young
- 💕 Supportive
- ❣️ Romantic
April

Played by Hannah Marks

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.
- 📖 Talented
- 😟 Jealous
- 🔍 Honest

Setting

Where and When Is I Used to Go Here Set?

I Used to Go Here is set in Carbondale, Illinois University and The Writers' Retreat. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

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.

Where

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.

🏫 University
🏡 Cozy Home
🎨 Creativity

Themes

What Are the Themes of I Used to Go Here?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Literary Aspirations and New Beginnings.

01

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.
02

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.
03

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.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is I Used to Go Here?

Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone: Bittersweet
Pacing: Steady
Story: Straightforward
Intensity: Medium
Ending: Ambiguous

A wistful and cringe-comedy-driven exploration of an author's midlife crisis as she returns to her college town, navigating awkward encounters, nostalgia, and the bittersweet confrontation of unfulfilled potential.

nostalgic
awkward
reflective
melancholic
hopeful
introspective
regret
coming of age
friendship
creative failure

Content notes: implied sex, teacher student relationship.

Quiz

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Where to watch

Where to Watch I Used to Go Here

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.