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Timeline

I Used to Go Here (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 80 min · English
Echo score 62
JustWatch #12,029 10
Directed by
Kris Rey
Starring
Jorma Taccone, Jemaine Clement, Josh Wiggins, Gillian Jacobs, Hannah Marks, Kate Micucci

After a disappointing book tour, writer Kate Conklin returns to her college for a speaking engagement, reconnecting with a former professor and an old crush. Hoping to find comfort in familiar surroundings, she instead finds herself entangled in a series of awkward situations with current students. As she navigates these encounters, Kate also confronts feelings of jealousy towards her professor’s new student, leading to a complicated and humorous exploration of regret and lost potential.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like I Used to Go Here
  6. 6 Categories
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch I Used to Go Here (2020)

Where can you watch I Used to Go Here? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV and Paramount Plus Essential: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

I Used to Go Here Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of I Used to Go Here (2020) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  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
  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

Last updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:06

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Timeline questions answered

I Used to Go Here Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of I Used to Go Here (2020): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Kate decline the teaching position offered by Professor Kirkpatrick?

Kate declines the teaching position after discovering that Professor Kirkpatrick had an affair with his student April and, more importantly, that he hadn't even read her published book. This combination of revelations makes her realize that staying in this environment would mean settling for a position where her achievements aren't truly recognized or valued by the very person offering it.

  • teaching job
  • professor kirkpatrick
  • rejection
  • self-worth
Q2

Why is Kate hurt to discover Professor Kirkpatrick hasn't read her book?

Kate is devastated because David was her former mentor and the person who inspired her to become a writer. The fact that he offered her a teaching position without even reading her published work suggests he views her more as a former student than a legitimate author, which feels like a dismissal of her professional achievements.

  • book
  • professor
  • mentorship
  • disappointment
Q3

What causes the tension between Kate and April?

The tension stems from Kate's jealousy. When Kate tries to advise April on her writing, April dismisses her suggestions, which triggers Kate's insecurities. Later, Kate learns April may have had an affair with Professor Kirkpatrick, making Kate realize her own jealousy and feelings of inadequacy prevented her from being a supportive mentor to April.

  • april
  • jealousy
  • writing advice
  • student
Q4

Why does Kate have a romantic connection with Hugo?

After witnessing April and Professor Kirkpatrick together, Kate returns to the house feeling disillusioned and hurt. Hugo offers her a place to stay in her old room, and as they discuss her previous work, an intimate moment develops. This connection represents Kate seeking comfort and validation from someone who still believes in her writing, providing a contrast to David's indifference.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Hugo and his friends invite Kate to join their gathering, showing immediate warmth toward her.

  • hugo
  • romance
  • comfort
  • validation
Q5

Why does Kate receive an unsettling text from her ex-fiancé at the party?

While at the party, Kate receives a text from her ex-fiancé demanding she cease all contact. This message adds to her emotional turmoil during the visit, showing that her past relationship troubles continue to affect her even as she tries to reconnect with her academic past.

  • ex-fiancé
  • text
  • breakup
  • emotional pain
Q6

Why does Kate decide to stay in her old room with Hugo?

After being locked out of her B&B and experiencing the shock of discovering David's affair, Kate accepts Hugo's invitation to stay in her old room. The stay represents a return to her roots and a form of emotional escape. It's also where she and Hugo grow closer, leading to their romantic encounter.

Foreshadowing: Kate learns her old house is still called 'The Writers' Retreat,' showing the lasting connection she has to that space.

  • old room
  • hugo
  • staying over
  • nostalgia
Q7

What does Kate mean when she wonders if she "could have done better"?

During her ride home, Kate reflects on her literary career and wonders if she could have achieved more success. This thought process represents her ongoing struggle with the disappointment of her failed book tour and whether her career path has met her own expectations, leaving her future uncertain but open to possibility.

  • career
  • reflection
  • success
  • future
Q8

Why does Kate apologize to April after the confrontation?

When April confronts Kate about the romantic encounter with Hugo, Kate apologizes for her past lack of encouragement. She admits that jealousy and feelings of inadequacy prevented her from being supportive of April's writing, showing her growth in recognizing her own emotional shortcomings.

  • apology
  • jealousy
  • confrontation
  • growth
Q9

Why does Kate accept the invitation to speak at her alma mater?

Kate accepts the invitation from Professor Kirkpatrick right after her engagement falls apart and her book tour is cancelled. The timing suggests she was looking for a way to reignite her passion and find comfort in familiar surroundings after experiencing both personal and professional disappointment.

  • speaking engagement
  • invitation
  • professor kirkpatrick
  • comeback attempt
Q10

What is the significance of Kate's old house being called "The Writers' Retreat"?

When Kate returns, she learns her old house is still referred to as "The Writers' Retreat" by current students. This brings her a wave of nostalgia and pride, showing that her legacy as a writer at the university has endured. It represents a time when she felt ambitious and hopeful about her writing future.

  • writers retreat
  • nostalgia
  • legacy
  • college memories

Movie threads

More Movies Like I Used to Go Here, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes I Used to Go Here tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about stalled potential like I Used to Go Here

Characters confronting their lost dreams and unfulfilled expectations with humor and melancholy. Find more movies like I Used to Go Here that explore themes of creative failure and midlife crisis. These comedies and dramas follow characters grappling with regret and unfulfilled potential, often blending bittersweet humor with introspective moments. If you enjoyed the awkward yet reflective journey in this film, you'll appreciate these similar stories.

  • introspective
  • melancholic
  • awkward
  • nostalgic
  • reflective
  • hopeful
  • Tone: bittersweet, melancholic, awkwardly humorous
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern centers on a protagonist returning to a formative place or confronting a past version of themselves, triggering a comparison between their current stalled state and their former potential. The conflict is largely internal and interpersonal, driven by jealousy and a sense of being left behind, leading to a conclusion that is often ambiguous or subtly hopeful rather than neatly resolved.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a specific emotional mix: the cringe-comedy of social awkwardness layered over a melancholic core of personal disappointment. They focus on character-driven stories with medium emotional weight, where the pacing is steady and the stakes are intimately personal rather than epic.

Movies about awkward homecomings like I Used to Go Here

Returning to a formative place only to find yourself an awkward outsider. Discover movies similar to I Used to Go Here where characters return to a familiar place and face awkward realities. These stories often blend comedy and drama as protagonists grapple with nostalgia, changed relationships, and the feeling of being an outsider in a once-comfortable environment. If you liked the cringe-comedy and reflective tone of this film, explore these related titles.

  • nostalgic
  • awkward
  • wistful
  • reflective
  • cringe-comedy
  • melancholic
  • Tone: bittersweet, awkward, nostalgic
  • Pacing: steady, day-by-day progression
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a linear, often short-term visit structure, where each day brings new awkward encounters that highlight the protagonist's displacement. The central conflict arises from the tension between nostalgic memory and present-day reality, forcing the character to reassess their past and their current identity without the story necessarily providing a clear-cut resolution.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their specific setting-driven premise and the resulting vibe of cringe-comedy mixed with wistfulness. They share a focus on the emotional dissonance of nostalgia, a steady pacing that allows for reflective moments, and a tone that balances humor with the sadness of realizing you can't go home again.

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Categories

Movie Lists Featuring I Used to Go Here

I Used to Go Here appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

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Every angle

I Used to Go Here (2020) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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