A soulful, quiet masterpiece, Columbus sneaks up on audiences, with a film that is achingly romantic and deeply impactful. Focusing on two lost souls who find themselves in Columbus, Indiana due to complicated familial relationships, Columbus is also an overwhelming tribute to architecture. Its setting is a hotspot for gorgeous buildings, playing a key role in the blossoming friendship and romance between its protagonists. Jin is there to tend to an ailing father, a famous architect with a frosty relationship with his son. There he meets Casey, whose gifted intellect is squandered as she remains home to support her mother, a recovering addict. Where their relationship goes is one of the more unexpected elements of Columbus, a beautifully human indie triumph.

At the film's core is a pair of performance that stand amongst the year's best. John Cho, who you are probably most familiar with from his roles in the Harold & Kumar and Star Trek series, continues to morph into one of the most fascinating performers in US indie cinemas. Initially a prickly, dislikeable character, Cho brings depths to Jin as an individual both suffering from grief and trying to find his place in the shadow of a father he never connected with. The actor shares exquisite chemistry with Haley Lu Richardson, who manages to comfortable hold her own alongside her more seasoned co-star. Richardson's Casey is an endearing presence, leaving an impression that lingers long after the film's final credits. Together they are the film's emotive core, and it is positively scandalous that the two have not received more award interest for their work in Columbus.

Kogonada's film (he writes and directs) takes its time, often built around long shots that breathe in the fascinating architecture of its location. Few film's have gained such a personality from where they are shot. The film's score comes from post-rock duo Hammock and it is a beautiful compliment to the skilful cinematography from Elisha Christian, whose composition is exceptional. Every shot feels considered, every creative decision a poised one that give the film resonance, attuning with the architectural ideals espoused by its characters. Columbus is a quiet, gentle film, one that resonates with an audience willing to bask in its beauty.

Columbus feels like a film that could easily pass audiences by. Yet embrace it and you'll find a deeply human, powerfully romantic film that can't help but move the viewer. And in Cho and Richardson a pair of outstanding performances that deserve everyone's consideration.