Film Review: I Used To Go Here

I Used To Go Here is the sophomore effort from writer/director, Kris Rey, following her 2015 debut, Unexpected. It follows an author, Kate (Gillian Jacobs), who just released her debut novel to less than stellar numbers, resulting in her book tour getting cancelled. The joy of her book’s release has been tainted, but she finds an interesting opportunity when seemingly out of nowhere, she gets a call from her former professor, David (Jemaine Clement), to speak at her alma mater. While there, she connects with old friends, and finds herself drawn to the young college kids who now live in her old home.

The film is largely a hangout film, one that is driven less by plot developments, and more by our lead character’s sense of aimlessness. She feels like a failure, many of her girl friends are pregnant, making her feel like she’s gone completely off track, and the draw of going back to her old school brings a nostalgic thrill that proves to sooth her, but only to a point. Her anxieties still get the best of her, which leads to a connection between the students who are also trying to figure out what their place in the world is.

If that kind of sounds like a million other indie comedies, you aren’t necessarily too far off. The film does share similar vibes and character types and humor with the kind of small, unassuming comedies that would often get raves at Sundance and its ilk. It’s funny, but not too funny, it’s visual style is very restraint and lo-fi, the storytelling is meandering, and it occasionally tackles some heavy subject matter, but not without deviating too far from its affable and inoffensive nature. You’ve probably seen a film like this before if you’ve seen any number of indies over the past decade.

However, what makes the film work as well as it does is Kris Rey’s gentle touch. She clearly loves these characters, and that love extends to the cast as well, all of whom deliver really solid performances. Of course, the real star of the picture is Gillian Jacobs. She has been a terrific presence, easily balancing comedy and drama throughout her work, and seeing her play the lead here is fantastic. She brings a lot of warmth and specificity to her character. The awkwardness feels rooted in something real, and not something done just for the sake of a joke. The way she plays with dynamic between Kate and characters like David feels incredibly grounded and pulls you in with seemingly little effort.

As much as I think I Used To Go Here wears itself out a little too thin, it’s a film that I still enjoyed watching, and found a lot to admire in. Kate is a likable and relatable lead that Gillian Jacobs really throws a lot into. Supporting players like Jemaine Clement, Josh Wiggins, Jorma Taccone, Kate Micucci, Hannah Marks, Zoe Chao, Khloe Janel, Brandon Daley, and Rammel Chan are all given a moment to shine, mostly comedically, but also as a way for Kate to achieve some kind of pathos. Kris Rey handles the film with an assured and empathetic eye that never forgets about the humanity underneath all the awkwardness and shenanigans. And while most of it is like your typical indie fare, it will sometimes throw a curveball, and really dig into hard-hitting truths about self-doubt, nostalgia, ambition, and the uncertainty and complications that comes with making it as an artist of any kind. It might not be a life-changing experience, but its charms will surely win you over.

 

I Used To Go Here will hit theaters and VOD platforms on August 7th.