Denver Comedian's Film Debut Premieres at Sundance

Adam Cayton-Holland's 'See You When I See You' receives mixed early reviews but high anticipation

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland's deeply personal film 'See You When I See You', based on his award-winning memoir, made its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival this week. The film, directed by Jay Duplass and starring Kaitlyn Dever, Cooper Raiff and David Duchovny, has been described as an emotionally complex examination of grief and trauma, balanced with streaks of levity. While early reviews have been mixed, with some critics praising its sincerity and others finding it too familiar, the film has generated significant buzz and anticipation among Sundance audiences.

Why it matters

Cayton-Holland's story of coping with the loss of his sister to suicide has resonated with many, and the film adaptation provides a platform to further explore these deeply personal themes of grief, trauma and resilience. The film's premiere at Sundance, one of the most prestigious independent film festivals, is a major milestone for Cayton-Holland and shines a spotlight on Denver's growing creative community.

The details

The film, written by Cayton-Holland and directed by Jay Duplass, follows the story of a Denver comedian struggling to come to terms with the loss of his sister and best friend to suicide. The cast includes Kaitlyn Dever, Cooper Raiff and David Duchovny. Early reviews have been mixed, with some critics praising the film's sincerity and emotional complexity, while others have found it too familiar in the 'indie grief drama' genre. However, the film has generated significant buzz and anticipation, with all five scheduled in-person Sundance screenings selling out quickly.

  • The film made its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2026.
  • The Colorado Symphony performed a sendoff concert at Boettcher Music Hall on January 27, 2026, before departing on its first-ever tour of New York City.

The players

Adam Cayton-Holland

A Denver-based comedian who wrote the screenplay for 'See You When I See You', which is based on his own deeply personal experiences.

Jay Duplass

The director of 'See You When I See You', known for his work in the indie film genre and for tapping into themes of grief and trauma with empathy and compassion.

Kaitlyn Dever

An actress starring in 'See You When I See You'.

Cooper Raiff

An actor starring in 'See You When I See You'.

David Duchovny

An actor starring in 'See You When I See You'.

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What they’re saying

“There is a tension that comes from the humor clashing with the tragedy, but it's a worthwhile one. Life is full of sudden loss, and then also ridiculously funny moments. Capturing that authentically is no small feat, but Duplass does so with delicate care.”

— Chase Hutchinson, Film Critic (The Wrap)

“Despite its sincerity and the raw pain of shattering real-life experience that infuses it, this movie feels like a knockoff struck from the template of a thousand bittersweet, funny-sad indie grief dramas branded with the old-school Sundance stamp.”

— David Rooney, Film Critic (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.