Columbus (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set in Columbus, Indiana, a Midwestern town renowned for its distinctive modernist architecture and planned urban design. The filmmakers chose this location because its striking buildings become almost a character in the film, shaping conversations and reflecting the inner emotional landscapes of the protagonists. The quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the town provides a striking contrast to the personal storms the characters navigate.

• columbus indiana
• setting
• location
• architecture
• modernist buildings

Columbus, Indiana is famous for its exceptional collection of modernist architecture, often described as a hidden gem for design enthusiasts. The city boasts numerous works by renowned architects, with its public spaces and soaring buildings serving as visual metaphors throughout the film. This architectural significance transforms the town from a mere backdrop into a central thematic element that mirrors the characters' internal searches for purpose and direction.

• modernist architecture
• columbus indiana
• design
• landmarks
• architectural significance

The story unfolds in contemporary, present-day times, with characters navigating personal relationships and career aspirations in a quiet Midwestern town. The modern era is reflected in the architecture where past and future meet through the city's landmarks. This contemporary setting provides a grounded, realistic framework for exploring timeless themes of connection, duty, and personal growth.

• present day
• contemporary
• time period
• modern era
• setting

Architecture functions as more than mere backdrop in this film, it shapes mood, memory, and identity for the characters. Jin and Casey's exploration of Columbus's modernist landmarks mirrors their inner search for purpose and direction. The buildings become a language for expressing longing, restraint, and longing for connection, making architecture a central thematic element that reflects the characters' emotional states.

• architecture
• buildings
• design
• modernism
• thematic meaning

The Connection theme explores how Jin and Casey form an immediate, fragile bond while walking through Columbus, sharing memories and vulnerabilities. Their conversations reveal how architecture and place can open channels for empathy and self-discovery. The film uses intimate dialogue to examine tenderness, emotional distance, and what it means to let someone into one's life, creating a nuanced portrait of human connection.

• connection
• relationship
• bond
• intimacy
• empathy
• personal connection

The Growth theme centers on both Jin and Casey confronting decisions about duty, aspiration, and moving forward. Casey must weigh pursuing her dream of becoming an architect against leaving her mother, a recovering drug addict. Meanwhile, Jin navigates his fractured relationship with his comatose father, confronting resentment while beginning to reframe his priorities. The story traces their delicate paths from attachment toward personal agency and self-discovery.

• growth
• personal growth
• dreams
• aspirations
• duty
• family
• decision making

Jin Lee is a quiet, introspective man who travels to Columbus, Indiana to care for his comatose father, a renowned architect. He grapples with deep-seated resentment toward his father while navigating this unexpected role as caregiver. Through his encounters with Casey, Jin begins to seek connection rather than distance, gradually reframing his priorities and opening himself to vulnerability.

• jin lee
• character
• father
• caregiver
• resentment
• introspection

Casey is a library worker in Columbus who harbors a deep appreciation for design and dreams of becoming an architect. She cares for her mother, a recovering drug addict, which creates tension between her personal ambitions and family obligations. Her encounter with Jin sparks a significant shift in her perspective, prompting her to consider whether she can pursue her dreams while staying true to her family commitments.

• casey
• character
• architect dream
• library worker
• mother
• ambition
• caregiving

The film maintains a slow, contemplative pace that prioritizes character introspection and meaningful conversation over plot-driven events. Its tone is bittersweet, balancing sadness from Jin's estranged father and Casey's deferred dreams with hopefulness from their mutual support and growth. The emotional weight is handled with restraint, creating a gentle atmosphere suitable for exploring intimate human moments and quiet compromises.

• tone
• atmosphere
• pacing
• bittersweet
• contemplative
• emotional weight
• slow burn