Heir to ‘The Big Sick’? Jay Duplass Brings New Tragicomedy to Sundance
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Jay Duplass found himself at a pivotal moment in his career, deciding to share not just personal narratives but those of others facing life’s toughest challenges. Enter Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, who introduced him to a heart-wrenching project — Adam Cayton-Holland’s tragicomic script and memoir concerning his struggles with PTSD after his sister’s tragic death by suicide.
“You really have to be like irrationally in love with the movie that you’re making,” shared Duplass, emphasizing the emotional weight the story carries. It profoundly encapsulates how the Cayton-Holland family navigated their grief, emerging as more resilient individuals.
The highly anticipated film, titled “See You When I See You,” is set to premiere on Tuesday at the Sundance Film Festival, where it is vying for distribution. The cast features talents such as Cooper Raiff, Kaitlyn Dever, David Duchovny, Hope Davis, and Lucy Boynton.
Duplass drew parallels between this film and Nanjiani and Gordon’s acclaimed work, “The Big Sick,” referring to it as an heir to that Oscar-nominated romantic comedy. Taking a risk, Duplass cast Raiff in the lead role instead of a more seasoned Hollywood star, believing in Raiff’s unique capabilities as a burgeoning talent. “He’s just so talented and smart and funny and emotionally available,” Duplass remarked, highlighting Raiff’s impressive range.
Assembling a cast of recognizable names proved non-negotiable. Duplass acknowledged the challenge of attracting big-name actors for smaller, art-focused projects, attributing it to the lucrative opportunities available in television. However, he expressed appreciation for Dever, Duchovny, Davis, and Boynton, who were eager to support the film’s vision despite the modest budget.
“It’s not a lot of money,” he said, recognizing their commitment to artistic expression and collaborative exploration in the project.
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