I Used to Be Funny (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“I Used to Be Funny,” Ally Pankiw’s feature debut, is a gripping and emotionally complex drama that weaves together elements of comedy, trauma, and suspense. The film follows Sam (Rachel Sennott), a stand-up comedian struggling with PTSD, as she confronts her past and her own personal demons while grappling with the disappearance of a teenage girl she once nannied.
The film explores not only the depths of Sam’s emotional trauma but also the ways in which creativity, identity, and humor are inextricably linked. Pankiw’s narrative delivers an insightful exploration of grief, mental health, and the effects of trauma while punctuated by moments of dark humor that lighten its heavier themes.
Plot Overview
Sam Cowell (Rachel Sennott) is a once-promising comedian whose life has spiraled into a dark, unproductive cycle of anxiety, depression, and isolation. At the start of the film, Sam barely leaves her apartment, her friends cover her rent, and she can’t even muster the energy to perform at her local comedy club.
Through a series of flashbacks, we learn that Sam used to work as an au pair for a troubled teenager named Brooke (Olga Petsa). Sam and Brooke shared a close bond, especially as Brooke dealt with the emotional toll of her mother’s terminal illness and her distant father, Cameron (Jason Jones), a cop tied up in his work. However, Brooke has now gone missing, and Sam, caught in the grip of her own unresolved trauma, must decide whether to help search for the girl she once cared for.
The film intricately balances between Sam’s present-day struggles and past experiences. Her PTSD flashbacks shed light on the events that led to her withdrawal from comedy and from life in general. The audience is invited to piece together her traumatic past as Sam wrestles with her mental health, all while juggling the pressures of her crumbling friendships, career, and her role in Brooke’s life.
Thematic Exploration
At its core, I Used to Be Funny is an exploration of trauma and its impact on identity, relationships, and creativity. Pankiw’s narrative delves into how trauma not only derails Sam’s ability to perform as a comedian but also affects her relationships with those around her. The film presents a nuanced portrayal of mental health, highlighting the isolating effects of PTSD and the difficulty of finding the strength to move forward.
One of the central themes of the movie is how Sam’s humor, once her greatest strength, has been weaponized against her. In court, clips of her stand-up routines are used to undermine her credibility, showcasing how comedy—often a safe space for processing pain—can also become a liability in a world where vulnerability is exploited. This duality of comedy as both a healing and destructive force adds depth to Sam’s character arc.
The film also touches on issues related to the #MeToo movement, particularly in the way it addresses the power dynamics between Sam and her male counterparts in both the comedy world and her personal life. It asks important questions about consent, accountability, and the emotional toll of living in a society that often trivializes women’s experiences with trauma.
Performances
Rachel Sennott’s portrayal of Sam is at the heart of the film’s success. Sennott, known for her comedic roles in Shiva Baby and Bodies Bodies Bodies, shines in her first major dramatic role. Her performance captures the essence of a woman grappling with her trauma, balancing moments of raw vulnerability with flashes of the biting wit that made her character a rising star in the comedy scene. Sennott’s ability to play both the bright, humorous side of Sam and the broken, post-traumatic version of herself creates a layered and believable character.
Olga Petsa, as Brooke, delivers a strong supporting performance, perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil of a teenager dealing with the loss of her mother and the subsequent upheaval in her life. Jason Jones, as Cameron, portrays the role of a father overwhelmed by his circumstances, contributing to the film’s tension and emotional stakes.
Direction and Cinematography
Ally Pankiw’s direction skillfully navigates the film’s dual tones, oscillating between dark humor and emotional intensity. Pankiw’s choice to present Sam’s story in a non-linear fashion—with flashbacks interspersed throughout—adds intrigue and keeps the audience engaged as they piece together the puzzle of Sam’s trauma. While this structure may occasionally feel disjointed, it effectively mirrors Sam’s fragmented memories and her struggle to process the events that led her to where she is now.
Visually, the film is striking, with Pankiw paying close attention to the emotional weight carried by each scene. The use of dim lighting and close-up shots during Sam’s most isolated moments emphasizes her emotional state, while brighter, more expansive scenes during her flashbacks serve as a stark contrast to her current reality.
Where to Watch I Used to Be Funny Online
As of 2024, I Used to Be Funny is available for streaming through various platforms in the U.S. You can watch the film online via the following services:
- Official Website: iusedtobefunny.film/watch
- Apple TV: Available for both rental and purchase.
- Amazon Prime Video: Stream the film with a Prime membership or rent/buy the movie.
- Vudu: Offers rental and purchase options.
These platforms provide viewers with easy access to the film, allowing them to watch from the comfort of their homes.
Conclusion
I Used to Be Funny is an ambitious, emotionally charged debut from Ally Pankiw that successfully combines humor and drama to tackle difficult topics such as trauma, mental health, and personal recovery. With a standout performance from Rachel Sennott and a thoughtfully crafted narrative, the film offers a poignant look at the healing process and the role that comedy plays in it. Though not without its imperfections, the film leaves a lasting impression and serves as a promising start to Pankiw’s career as a feature director.
