Finding itself in an unusual medium between funny, sincere and dramatic, ‘I Used to Be Funny’ follows Sam (Rachel Sennott), a stand-up comedian under self-imposed isolation following a traumatic event. Struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, Sam is conflicted about joining the search party for Brooke (Olga Petsa), a young girl she used to au pair.
Initially exposing the viewers to the fallout of the trauma that Sam has suffered, we meet the main character struggling with everyday tasks. Acknowledging that her reclusive and lonely lifestyle weighs heavy on those around her, Sam tries to step out.
Revisiting her usual stand-up club, Sam is supported by friends and roommates Paige (Sabrina Jalees) and Philip (Caleb Hearon), but finds it difficult to face her old routine, running from the opportunity to do a set on stage. Displaying the effort, anxiety and overwhelming fear that plagues Sam as she is outside of her safe space goes a long way to illustrate the severity of what she had gone through.
Unfolding in parallel, Sam’s journey is revealed in two timelines. One where she is a stand-up supplementing her income as an au pair, and the other after her assault. Meeting Brooke for the first time and bonding with her, as her mother is in hospital, the two quickly form a close relationship. In stark contrast to that, the more recent encounter the two have depicts an enraged Brooke going to Sam’s house, breaking her window and cursing her to have ruined her life.
Jumping between the time streams, ‘I Used to Be Funny’ continuously hits highs and lows, contrasting Sam as she was before and after the incident. Doing most of the heavy lifting Sennott displays her immaculate comedic timing and aptitude for comedy whilst contrasting that performance with a deeply dramatic and sincere portrayal of a woman broken by a traumatic experience.
Perhaps a little jarring at times, the shift between pre and post incident can feel unorthodox, yet it serves its purpose and achieves the goal of cementing the dramatic difference that sexual assault can have on a person. The film climaxes once the audience bears witness to the incident that has lead to Sam’s psychological destruction. Brooke’s father Cameron (Jason Jones) having returned home late and intoxicated had forced himself on Sam.
Handling the situation discretely, the film shocks by what is due to transpire, yet forces us to imagine the worst as the assault is not explicitly shown on screen. Allowing each individual to surmise the harassment, the film peaks in suspense and tension, allowing for Sam’s actions to become more understandable and warranted.
Petering out towards the end as Sam And Brooke reconcile, the film wobbles a little as the two reform and try to begin anew. The reunion allows for both Sam and Brooke to air out their suppressed emotions, yet implies a slight leaning towards Sam having feelings of guilt about what had happened.
A valiant feature directorial debut by Ally Pankiw, her narrative brings to the big screen the painful and hard to discuss reality. Anchored by Sennott’s heartbreaking but ultimately unfettered performance, the heroine allows herself to reclaim her autonomy and tries to begin again. Concluding on final shots of Sam on stage as she tells a rape joke, the film manages to shock for one last final time and ends on a hilariously uneasy mood, indicating that Sam is willing to and wants to overcome her battle, ready to move on.
Score: 3/4
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