I Used to Go Here (2020)
1h 20min | Comedy | In Select Theaters and On Demand August 7 | Starring: Gillian Jacobs (Community, Walk of Shame)
Synopsis: Following the lackluster launch of her debut novel, 35-year-old writer Kate Conklin (Gillian Jacobs) receives a welcome invitation from her former professor and old crush (Jemaine Clement) to speak at her alma mater. With her book tour cancelled, and her ego deflated, Kate hopes that returning to her old college as a published author will give her the morale boost she sorely needs. Instead, she falls into a comical regression—from misadventures with eccentric twenty-year olds to feelings of jealousy toward her former professor’s new favorite student. Bittersweet emotion and awkward humor abound as Kate journeys through her past to redefine her future in this big-hearted fourth feature from writer/director Kris Rey. A Gravitas Ventures release.
Commentary: A strong female performance by Gillian Jacobs and an organic script by Kris Rey – who also directed – grounds the personable comedy/drama I USED TO GO HERE. It is always awkwardly surreal to go back to those places that saw us through mental and psychological growth and this film captures those nuances subtly and emotionally. It never feels forced or cliche but instead is very relatable and each character feels like someone you know or knew.
Kate (Jacobs) is a likable character. We watch her struggle with a failed relationship and a career that has stalled out. She is at a crossroads of sorts and when she is invited to speak at her college alma mater she thinks it could be the start of a new season of change. The hard part is not getting sucked back into a lifestyle that better suited her a decade ago. As she greets old professors and meets a new and inspiring generation she has to come to terms with her own journey. That all sounds heavy but this a comedy at its roots and each of these elements are touched on lightly without ignoring significance.
Jacobs is the star of the show and it was enjoyable watching her navigate these waters. Fans of Community may see some crossover but not enough to point fingers. The supporting cast gather round her and follow her lead from scene to scene. This was an easy film to watch and one that most fill find enjoyable. I feel that rather 25 or 55 we have all been someone in this film at a time in our lives. I USED TO GO HERE is a communal concept that we all can touch on. Though unrated it is intended for mature audiences. Other than some mild language and themes it is safe in regards to content. I give it a strong B+ and recommend you seeing it when you can.
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