Rachel Sennott steps into the spotlight with remarkable poise in I Used to Be Funny, playing ‘Sam’, a stand-up comedian grappling with dark phases of her life. Throughout Ally Pankiw’s directorial debut, Sennott masterfully navigates through contrasting timelines, embodying both the vivacious humorist she once was and the reclusive figure she has become post-trauma.
Contrasting Two Eras
The narrative flickers between the vibrant moments of Sam‘s past and her current isolation. Living with fellow comedians Paige (played by Sabrina Jalees) and Philip (Caleb Hearon), Sam’s struggles are gently acknowledged. Yet, scenes often brim with authenticity when her friends express their concern through humor, subtly admiring even minor efforts like taking a shower.
A Heartfelt Journey
Sam’s world shifts dramatically upon discovering that Brooke (Olga Petsa), a teenager she previously nannied, has disappeared. This event propels viewers into flashbacks that unravel their bond—where comedy becomes Sam’s tool to break through Brooke’s defenses. These exchanges, full of debates over romantic foibles and Twilight references, tug at the heartstrings while shedding light on Sam’s former lively self.
Narrative Challenges
Pankiw’s decision to obscure the exact nature of the traumatic event proves less effective as it drags on. The final act suffers from pacing issues where the story hastily catches up, diluting its emotional resolve. Perhaps if the film had been more forthright about revealing its core secrets earlier, it could have delivered a more potent conclusion.
Diving Into Characters
Sennott skillfully transitions between different emotional states without losing coherence. Her portrayal remains grounded and believable whether she’s guiding Brooke through comedic acts or enshrining herself in her room. The film also benefits from strong supporting performances by Jalees and Hearon, who offer both comic relief and depth as concerned friends.
Broader Themes
The movie doesn’t shy away from addressing broader themes such as mental health, responsibility, and the contrasts between public personas and private despair. Sam’s jokes transform from coping mechanisms to barriers that isolate her from those who care about her. Pankiw successfully paints these layers onto Sennott’s performance, highlighting how comedy can mask profound sadness and vulnerability.
A Promising Debut
Pankiw’s entry into feature filmmaking demonstrates her ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling. Despite some narrative missteps, I Used to Be Funny‘s strength lies in its character-driven approach and exploration of complex emotions.Sabrina Jalees, Caleb Hearon, Olga Petsa, and Jason Jones complement this journey with layered performances that enrich the story.
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