Jay Duplass made a welcome return to film with The Baltimorons in 2025, after a long break focused on directing and acting. The film has a warm, unexpected charm, similar to an unassuming hug. Unfortunately, See You When I See You misses that magic. While it has sincerity and draws from real-life pain, it feels like another indie drama that follows a familiar pattern.
Dysfunctional families, mixed metaphors (like the endangered sage grouse), and random nods to ’90s music fill the screen. There’s also the classic childhood memory marred by trauma and a tinkly piano score emphasizing every emotional moment.
The film is based on Adam Cayton-Holland’s memoir, Tragedy Plus Time. He shares the intense feelings of grief and chaos following his younger sister’s suicide. But instead of feeling fresh, the story follows a well-worn indie film model. It’s a shame because Cayton-Holland’s experiences could have offered a deeper, more meaningful narrative.
Cooper Raiff plays Aaron Whistler, a character full of heart and humor. Even when Aaron is at his worst, pushing people away, you still root for him. Yet, the film feels like it misses opportunities for impactful connections.
Duplass is no stranger to exploring grief through humor. His previous work on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere skillfully depicted a character navigating similar challenges, providing relatable and fully developed supporting characters. However, in See You When I See You, not all the characters feel as authentic or lived-in.
Two months post-tragedy, Leah’s family remains fractured. They can’t even agree on her funeral. Leah’s absence looms large, with her ashes haunting the family’s space. Her mother, Page, has become withdrawn, while her father, Robert, buries himself in work, avoiding the emotional turmoil. Aaron’s sister, Emily, grapples with her anger towards Aaron as he struggles to cope with his grief.
A critical moment for Aaron is when he faces his past trauma. After a DUI, he must join a mental health diversion program. Initially resistant, he finds a therapist who understands him, but revisiting Leah’s memory remains difficult.
While Raiff shines in these scenes, Leah’s portrayal lacks depth, making her seem more like a representation of grief rather than a real person. The story’s techniques sometimes pull the viewer out of the experience, especially moments where Leah is literally removed from the scene.
Interspersed are sweet moments between Aaron and his girlfriend, Camila, though her frustrations about his distance underscore the challenges of connecting during grief.
The film also features Kumail Nanjiani as Adeel, an environmentalist who brings Aaron into a subplot involving sage grouses. This element feels disjointed and doesn’t contribute significantly to the narrative.
Duplass shows sensitivity as a director, and moments of warmth appear. Yet, the film often lapses into clichés, failing to fully engage. Most performances stand out against the material, with Raiff, Davis, and Boynton delivering noteworthy portrayals. It’s tough to critique a work rooted in personal tragedy, but it ultimately feels less impactful than it should.
To gain further insights into mental health struggles like Aaron’s, you might want to check out resources such as the National Institute of Mental Health or read articles on how grief impacts families and the healing process. These studies highlight how often art and real-life intertwine, influencing both our understanding and empathy.
In summary, See You When I See You is a film with potential and heart but falls into familiar traps that detract from its powerful source material.
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