Columbus

Visually gorgeous, this exceptionally acted indie drama is a compelling character study as well as a love letter to a town that boasts some of the United States' most important architecture. After scene-stealing supporting performances in Edge of Seventeen and Split, Richardson does a beautiful job in a leading role, capturing Casey's intelligence, concern over her mother, and frustration that she's a bit stuck without a college education. But the emotion that's a true revelation is Casey's awe, which Richardson conveys every time Casey looks at (or, more accurately, meditates on) the amazing architecture around her -- particularly the Deborah Berke-designed Irwin Union Bank, whose drive-through features a gorgeous glass canopy. Casey shares her love of architecture with Jin, who admits he doesn't know much about it, despite his father's prominence. What Jin does want to know isn't the "tour guide talk," but how Casey feels about the architecture. Once she starts sharing, neither of them can stop, even though their time together includes a fair amount of companionable silence (and reflecting on their surroundings).

Director (and writer and editor) Kogonada is best known for visual essays or supercuts that explain the genius of auteurs; if Columbus is any indication, he has the talent to perhaps someday join his former subjects. The symmetry (or asymmetry) of nearly every shot is meticulous, highlighting the beauty of Columbus' architecture, whether it's award winning and historical, or, in the case of Casey's house, a lower-middle-class rambler. As for Cho, he plays against type here, with very little of the humor his early career was based on. Parker Posey and Rory Culkin are also quite good in supporting roles as Jin's father's protégé/former student and Casey's brainy library co-worker, respectively. Ultimately, though, it's Richardson, Cho, and Columbus itself that are the stars of this film, which may make audiences want to book a flight to Indiana.