Review: Kogonada’s Film Debut, ‘Columbus,’ is a Powerful Story of Connection Set Against Small-Town America

South Korean-born American filmmaker Kogonada (“After Yang,” “Pachinko”) brings a profound story about connection to the screen in his 2017 directorial debut. “Columbus” packs complex themes into its 104-minute run-time and showcases sensational turns from leads John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson. Sprinkled with influence from Yasujirô Ozu and his 1953 film “Tokyo Story,” “Columbus” is a grounded affair. It tells the story of a unique connection between two individuals, as they bond over the modernist architecture of Midwestern America and their difficult parental relationships. 

Casey (Haley Lu Richardson) is a young woman from Columbus, Indiana who spends her days working at the local library and taking care of her mother, a recovering drug addict. One day, Casey meets Jin, (John Cho), who is in town after his estranged father is taken ill and falls into a coma. The unique duo quickly build a rapport, discussing Columbus’ sprawling collection of modernist architecture and their difficult personal lives. As ugly truths come to light, the pair find themselves in two vastly different places in their lives. Casey decides not to pursue her dreams to stay and care for her mother, and Jin faces the resentment he feels towards his ailing father. But will this unique bond push them onto a path to move on with their lives and follow their dreams? Or will they stay stuck, both physically and emotionally?

Features Eye-Catching Cinematography and Sensational Lead Performances

The eye-catching architecture located throughout Columbus, Indiana (also known as the Mecca of modernist architecture) adds to the beauty of Elisha Christian’s (“The Voyeurs,” “The Girl from Plainville”) cinematography. The modernist architecture showcased throughout makes the film a visual spectacle and keeps viewers engaged throughout the film. The sparsity between dialogue allows the details and intricacy of these aging buildings to be fully appreciated and explored. But when we do get dialogue, Kogonada graces the audience with complex conversations. Richardson and Cho ask big questions and delve into difficult themes that force their characters to confront the things they run from. 

“Columbus” is led by sensational performances from both leads. John Cho (“Searching”) does a remarkable job portraying the frustration and resentment Jin feels towards his father, but then brilliantly switches when he’s around Casey, into a more inquisitive and invested individual. Opposite Cho, stars Haley Lu Richardson (“The Edge of Seventeen,” “Five Feet Apart”), and her performance as Casey is sensational, and stands out as one of her best. The pair share incredibly deep platonic chemistry; so much so that you can’t draw yourself away from their profound conversations as they not only bond over their affinity for the architecture of Columbus, but their vastly different parental relationships as well. 

A Mesmerising Small-Town Portrait

Kogonada’s triple shift as Director, Writer, and Editor of the film deservedly pays off. What comes as a result is a spectacular piece of filmmaking. This is made even more astonishing by the fact that “Columbus” is his directorial debut. “Columbus” isn’t afraid to dive into challenging themes, bringing grief, the side effects of addiction, and strained parental relationships together. Kogonada weaves them into a charming narrative that doesn’t let go  until the credits roll. Small town America and it’s association with substance abuse is something else “Columbus” chooses to touch on, with Casey (Richardson) even uttering the words, “Meth and modernism are really big here.”

“Columbus” is one of the many hidden gems of 2017, bringing a reflective, grounded story to audiences. Kogonada hits it out of the ballpark with his captivating directorial debut. It’s a film that—despite heavy subject matter—oozes a sense of calm and serenity, emphasised by Hammock’s wonderful score. “Columbus” is a film that should be seen by everyone. It blends together alluring visuals, powerful performances, and sensational directing set against the mesmerising backdrop of small-town America.

“Columbus” is currently available to rent or stream from many streaming platforms.

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