The Canadian film titled “I Used to Be Funny” seems incompatible with the progression of the film but hints and innuendos are dropped along the way Hansel and Gretel fashion that taunt the viewer to determine why comedian Samantha Cowell (Rachel Sennott) is no longer funny as at the outset Sam is funny dropping one liners and receiving retorts from her roomies Paige (Sabrina Jadees) and Phillip (Caleb Hearon). Life appears to be jolly but hints are laid suggesting Sam is suffering and they intensify as the film rolls. But why?
Sam was hired as an “au pair” for 13-year-old Brooke (Olga Petsa) attempting to cope with the terminal illness and then the death of her mother Laura. Brooke and Sam hit it off primarily because Sam is not the typical child minder and her endless humour disarms both Brooke and her policeman father Cameron.
Weaving through the past and present it becomes apparent Sam is suffering from PTSD but why? A snake in grass bit Sam and the venom is her PTSD. The snakebite decimates Sam and Brooke and sends them hurtling towards self destruction.
Despite the relentless comedic aura of the film sinister reigns. Rest assured the puzzling title of the film about not being funny anymore is a lighthearted way of addressing a serious issue. It is perhaps her comedic soul that propels Sam to salvation while paradoxically it may have been very well mistakenly interpreted as a license for the snake bite.
Sennott is brilliant in her performance and Jadees and Hearon are lovable instantaneously and cement the complete naturalness of the film. The film is built and is launched into excellence by the interaction of the actors primarily as a result of the writing and directing of Ally Pankiw.
An impressive collage of indie music helps rubbing salt in the wounds.
The film deserves a major North American release. This is how good it is. Available on VOD/iTunes on 2July2024.
RKS 2024 Film Rating 94/100.
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