More information about
Release date: 21 September 2023
Running time: 105 minutes
Sam (Rachel Sennott -Shiva Baby, Bodies, Bodies, Bodies) is a comic struggling to rebuild her life after a traumatic incident. When Brooke (Olga Petsa), a precocious 14-year-old girl she used to nanny for goes missing, she helps out with the search, though it opens up old wounds. Can she ever be funny again? Set around the world a stand-up comedy, and starring real comedians, some of whom are playing a version of themselves, writer / director Ally Pankiw’s sharp script serves up some bitingly funny dialogue, but this first feature is equally impressive as a drama. We soon learn that Sam has PTSD, and through a series of intriguing flashbacks the mystery surrounding this, and her fractured relationship with Booke, is gradually revealed, taking a dark turn to explore issues of #Metoo, trolling and artistic freedom as the cause of her trauma is revealed. Sennott is fantastic in the lead role, moving from a quick-witted comic to a barely functioning shell of a person with aplomb, and her rapport with Peta is a delight to watch. “Rachel Sennott continues her rise as one of Hollywood's most exciting talents to watch” Exclaim!
Original title: CIFF23 - UK PREMIERE : I Used To Be Funny
Cast: Jason Jones, Rachel Sennott, Ennis Esmer, Olga Petsa, Sabrina Jalees, Caleb Hearon, Dani Kind
Director: Ally Pankiw
Production: 2023
Age restrictions: 15
Youtube video
