: The film is described as a meditation on "mid-life malaise," where a character returns to a place where their future once felt full of potential, only to find the reality of their present-day life doesn't match their past aspirations.
: Gillian Jacobs is widely praised for her "winsome" and "likable" performance as a woman who is a bit of a mess but remains sympathetic. Jemaine Clement’s portrayal of the "creepy" yet charismatic professor is also noted as a standout. I Used to Go Here
: The film holds a "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes , with critics from Roger Ebert and Variety noting its unhurried, gentle tone and insightful female-centric narrative. Background and Production : The film is described as a meditation
The 2020 film is a comedy-drama that explores themes of nostalgia and the "uneasy in-between" state of adulthood. Written and directed by Kris Rey , the story follows 35-year-old Chicago writer Kate Conklin (played by Gillian Jacobs ), whose life is in a state of flux: her debut novel is underperforming, her book tour has been canceled, and her engagement has recently ended. : The film holds a "Fresh" rating on
: Reviews often characterize it as a "light summer comedy souffle" or a "beguiling comedy of manners" that balances cringe humor with moments of genuine heart and authenticity.
The film was inspired by director Kris Rey's own experiences returning to her alma mater, in Carbondale, to screen her previous film, Unexpected . Production took place in Chicago and Carbondale. Originally scheduled for a world premiere at SXSW 2020 , the festival was canceled due to the pandemic, leading to its eventual release on video on demand and in select theaters in August 2020.