Jay Duplass returns to Sundance with the tragic comedy ‘See You When I See You’

Park City, Utah is currently hosting the premiere of “See You When I See You,” a film born from a pivotal moment in Jay Duplass’s career. After focusing on personal and familial narratives, Duplass sought to tell stories belonging to others, leading to his involvement with a project presented by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon.

A Story Rooted in Tragedy and Resilience

The film centers around Adam Cayton-Holland’s memoir and script, detailing his experience with PTSD following the loss of his sister to suicide. Duplass described being deeply moved by the material, experiencing both laughter and tears, and feeling compelled to help bring this story to the screen. He stated, “You really have to be like irrationally in love with the movie that you’re making.”

Did You Know? The film’s story is based on the experiences of the Cayton-Holland family in Denver, Colorado.

Casting Choices and Industry Shifts

“See You When I See You” stars Cooper Raiff, Kaitlyn Dever, David Duchovny, Hope Davis, and Lucy Boynton. Duplass made the deliberate decision to cast Raiff in the lead role, a choice he considered unconventional but essential, having mentored Raiff prior to his first feature film. He praised Raiff’s talent, intelligence, humor, and emotional availability, noting that such qualities are rare in someone aged 27 – now 28.

Securing the supporting cast proved more challenging. Duplass observed a growing difficulty in attracting established actors to smaller, independent films. He attributes this, in part, to the increased earning potential in television and the practices of talent agencies, who may hold out for larger opportunities.

Expert Insight: The trend of established actors prioritizing television roles reflects a significant shift in the entertainment industry, where streaming services offer substantial financial incentives and creative opportunities. This can create challenges for independent filmmakers seeking to assemble high-profile casts.

Despite the financial constraints, Duplass expressed gratitude to Dever, Duchovny, Davis, and Boynton for their commitment to the project, emphasizing their desire to create art and take creative risks.

Potential Future for the Film

Currently seeking distribution after its world premiere Tuesday at the Sundance Film Festival, “See You When I See You” could attract attention from various studios or streaming platforms. A positive reception at Sundance may lead to wider release and increased visibility for the film. It is also possible that the film’s success could influence future casting decisions in independent cinema. Duplass himself likened the film to an “heir” to Nanjiani and Gordon’s “The Big Sick.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Jay Duplass to shift his focus to telling other people’s stories?

Duplass stated he had come to a turning point in his life and career, having previously focused on personal and familial narratives.

Who are the lead actors in “See You When I See You”?

The film stars Cooper Raiff, Kaitlyn Dever, David Duchovny, Hope Davis, and Lucy Boynton.

What challenges did Duplass face when assembling the cast?

Duplass noted it is becoming harder to attract big-name actors to smaller art films, attributing this to increased earnings in television and talent agency practices.

What role does personal connection play in the creation of compelling cinema?

Jay Duplass returns to Sundance with the tragic comedy ‘See You When I See You’ | Entertainment