‘See You When I See You’ Review: Jay Duplass Delivers a Heartfelt Family Dramedy

Jay Duplass returns to directing with “See You When I See You,” a family dramedy that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. This marks his directorial comeback after a 13-year hiatus, during which he explored various creative avenues. The film has received praise and is currently nominated for an Indie Spirit Award.

Film Overview

Unlike his previous works, Duplass did not write this screenplay. It is based on Adam Cayton-Holland’s memoir, “Tragedy Plus Time: A Tragi-Comic Memoir.” The script was developed with producers Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon, who have experience adapting personal trauma into film, as evidenced by their Oscar-nominated work on “The Big Sick.”

Plot Synopsis

“See You When I See You” focuses on Aaron Whistler, portrayed by Cooper Raiff. Aaron struggles with mental health issues following the suicide of his younger sister, Leah, played by Kaitlyn Dever. His difficulties extend to his family relationships, involving his parents Robert (David Duchovny) and Page (Hope Davis), and sister Emily (Lucy Boynton). The film tackles the complexities of grief and the challenges of a family coming to terms with loss.

Character Dynamics

• Aaron Whistler: A young man grappling with mental health challenges and haunted by his sister’s death.
• Robert Whistler: A father trying to maintain normalcy while coping with his wife’s health crisis.
• Emily Whistler: An older sister in denial about her emotions.
• Page Whistler: The mother facing her own health fears, hidden from her family.
• Camila: Aaron’s girlfriend struggling to support him amidst his turmoil.

Each character’s path is intricately woven with themes of denial, grief, and the quest for closure. The film’s humor and dramatic moments create a poignant exploration of family dynamics in times of tragedy.

Performance Highlights

The cast delivers exceptional performances, particularly Raiff and Dever. Raiff’s portrayal of Aaron is nuanced, depicting a young man on the brink. Dever, despite her character’s limited screen time, leaves a lasting impact through stylized, surreal moments that reflect Aaron’s memories.

Duchovny balances lightness with the weight of familial obligations, while Davis, Boynton, and Barer provide strong, subtle performances that enhance the film’s emotional depth.

Tonal Balance and Direction

Duplass masterfully balances humor and tragedy in this unique story. The screenplay effectively conveys the internal struggles of each character, making their journeys relatable to viewers. The film’s artistic choices — especially the visual storytelling techniques — add to its emotional resonance.

Conclusion

“See You When I See You” exemplifies the power of storytelling in addressing real-life trauma through a blend of comedy and drama. With an outstanding cast and thoughtful direction by Jay Duplass, the film stands out as a heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the complexities of healing.

Producers of the film include Fred Bernstein, Duplass, Cayton-Holland, Nanjiani, and Gordon. The film runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes and is represented by CAA for sales.