Liberal Arts

The story unfolds in the early 2010s, placing it in contemporary urban and campus environments. Characters navigate modern dating, literature, and career pressures as they search for meaning. The time frame frames their choices as worldly yet intimate, blending city life with college rhythms.

New York City serves as the bustling urban backdrop where Jesse works as an admissions officer. The unnamed Ohio liberal arts college campus provides a quieter, memory-filled setting that sparks reflection on youth, literature, and possibility. The film contrasts the frenetic city with the intimate pace of campus life, showing how place shapes desire and personal growth.

💫 Self-Discovery

Jesse's return to campus prompts deep self-reflection about aging, desire, and what it means to grow up. He tests boundaries in romance and mentorship, learning that honesty and responsibility trump shortcuts. Through his interactions with Zibby, Judith, and Dean, he moves toward a more mature sense of identity.

📚 Literature and Life

Books surround the characters and influence their choices, serving as both refuge and guide. Discussions of poetry, novels, and music shape how they see themselves and others. The epistolary thread between Jesse and Zibby underscores how literature can sustain connection while real life requires accountability. The final image of Zibby reading Songs of Innocence and Experience anchors literature as a living force in life decisions.

🧭 Age and Boundaries

The film centers on a 16-year age gap and the ethical questions it raises. It tests boundaries between mentor, lover, and friend, showing how desire can collide with responsibility. Jesse ultimately chooses a path that respects boundaries and focuses on growth, not shortcuts to adulthood. The ending suggests maturity comes from honest reflection and steady, patient connections.