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I found the description of this movie to be deceptive. The story is about a former comedian where something happened that derailed her life.

The description says PSTD but what this trauma event is it not immediately revealed. The movie spends the three quarters of the time dancing around something having happened.

The dialog tries to be hip about teenage topics but it is mostly just cringe. No cap.

Much of the story is told as flash backs interweaved into the present so such it's never really clear when anything is occurring until several beats into a scene. I found this all irritating and bad story telling.

The movie eludes to what may have happened and while it's possible to guess, it's makes it all the worse that they don't just say it.

Everyone in the movie knows what happened but we are left out of being shared the details. Conversations about the event happen over and over to the point of becoming fraying, like an inside joke that no one will explain to you until you start to wonder if the pay off will be worth it.

It won't.

This fake tension is bad story telling. There is a missing child and the description creates a narrative that this is a big part of the movie but it's simply not. Our main character spends most of the movie unconcerned about the child's whereabouts. Its only purpose is to provide an ending to an otherwise meandering mess of a movie.

IUTBF is a tough movie to love. I guess you would have to live in the disillusioned LA Gen Z bubble to understand any of the characters or their motivations. Cinema is best defined as an empathy creating machine but this movie made me feel nothing.

The issue is mostly the awkward, stilted conversations in the screenplay. The opaque plot doesn't help. The flashback scenes provide some drama but also make the whole film seem like a Greek tragedy.

The direction is actually fairly effective, the acting, however, is not. Some of the characters will be grating to a 'normal' audience. Hence the need for the bubble.

I never thought that a movie about a stand up comic could be so laugh free.

Ally Pankiw's feature debut "I Used to be Funny" competently explores fragile experiences of depression and PSTD, recovering from assault, and child endangerment with a tame dose of fragile drama, sprinkled with witty humour.

Pankiw's choice to present the story through sequencing between Sam's mission to find a missing Brooke, the young girl she nannied, and frequent flashbacks of memories of the two's once-close bond. While the concept of a non-linear narrative is meant to efficiently expand the dynamics and pasts of the characters and their journeys, which it technically achieves for the majority of the film. The beginning of this sequence felt static as the vague nature that shrouded the connection between Sam, her trauma, and her past with Brooke, overstayed its welcome in the first third of the story. However, the pace thankfully accelerates once the first clues of Brooke's disappearance are uncovered.

Some elements of the film at times, lean too hard into melodrama that lacks actual substance, especially in the vague and unmoving first third of the film. Cuts to some flashbacks that felt somewhat cliche a script that at times felt too expository, and perhaps two-too-many Phoebe Bridgers needle drops; tools that ask the audience to engage with the characters and the mysterious tragedy that haunts them. These elements may have been appropriate in the context of a television episode, considering Pankiw's background in TV direction, but unfortunately fell flat within a full-length feature film.

Amidst these faults, one of the film's greatest strengths is its talented cast. Rachel Sennott's has not only cemented herself as a star of off-beat and relatable comedy but also demonstrated a striking capacity for performances filled with intense vulnerability, harmoniously embodying all relevant elements of the tragicomedy genre. Her ability to foster chemistry with the rest of the cast only adds further dimension to the sorrow and humor that defines her character's journey.

Overall, I Used to Be Funny poses an intimate image of how trauma can take control of our lives and sense of self-worth. While bleak, the potential for healing is also presented as the empathetic and hopeful conclusion to Sam and Brooke's journey. While the film's approach at times lacks the ingenuity and impact it clearly intended to bring, it remains that Pankiw's strength lies in how she stays firm with the difficult themes and issues she addresses.

Sam Cowell (Rachel Sennott) is a stand-up comic with some success who does a bit of work as a nanny. Her 14 year old former charge Brooke Renner (Olga Petsa) is declared missing and shows up smashing her door in anger. Two years earlier, Sam gets hired by Cameron Renner (Jason Jones) to watch his 12 year old daughter while his wife is sick in the hospital.

The first half is intriguing. The mystery of the incident keeps my interest. Once it's revealed, the movie goes into Lifetime territories. The one glaring problem is the aunt's presence. Sam would notify her at every step. The fact that she exists is an exit ramp for Sam to take. That diminishes the intensity of the story. If she doesn't exist, Brooke would be running away from a foster home. The police could be less than co-operative. Then Sam would feel like she's Brooke's only hope. That would raise the intensity of the second half. As for Olga Petsa, she's a little old to play a 12 year old. Brooke's young age is very important to her feelings. Otherwise, Sennott is excellent. I can see this story working, but it needs some changes.

Powerful message and subject in this movie but the journey its a little tiresome, there is no real history here, its a basic movie, the protagonist is amazing but the rest of the cast are not very good in this, they are rookies I guess, they are not the best actors in here tbh, the way the story is told is kinda of make no sense just like this review, it's convoluted and not easy to follow but maybe im slow i don't know, the protagonist is a very funny stand up comedy artist and she is fighting some demons in this movie, and that's a very interesting thing to follow but the way its told through flashbacks it wasn't really neccesary, its hard to understand ok guys.

"I Used to Be Funny" is a captivating Canadian film that masterfully weaves together raw, heartbreaking moments with a surprising touch of humor. Rachel Sennott's performance shines yet again, reaffirming my unwavering admiration for her talent. As both the lead and a true force on screen, Sennott's portrayal effortlessly captures the complexities of the character's journey.

Ally Pankiw's directorial debut is stellar, showcasing a deep understanding of the human experience. While not flawless, the film's imperfections only add to its authenticity. Pankiw's skillful storytelling draws viewers into the protagonist's world, offering an accurate depiction of life with PTSD. The film's ability to blend these elements in a way that's both poignant and relatable makes it a must-see for anyone seeking a moving cinematic experience.

As a person who has also experienced trauma, I've often wondered - how would I ever approach writing a book or movie about my experiences, and honestly the way this movie used flashbacks did resonate with me.

I can understand how some might feel it's disjointed, but honestly that's sometimes how living with PTSD, depression, etc. Feels like.

I know some people complained that it's not funny, I guess I didn't expect it to be laugh out loud funny based on the description - it literally includes PTSD in the description and is called "I used to be funny" - i.e. She doesn't feel funny anymore.

Overall, I appreciated the storytelling.

I think the movie 'Funny People' gave me PTSD for movies about comedians. I didn't enjoy that movie much at all and I think I was worried I was going to have a similar experience with 'I Used to be Funny'. That couldn't have been further from the case though. I was glued to the screen for every minute of this film.

Rachel Sennott has been one of the most interesting actresses to watch in recent years, but this film gave her the chance to prove she can truly act in a dramatic role. And she killed it. Also I had never heard of Caleb Hearon until this week and yet now I've seen him steal the show in two films. He has a lot of charm that man.

This is a heavy film. It's gritty and raw and quite devastating at times. I loved the structure of the film, with the intersecting timelines and the mystery around what exactly happened. I will say you have to have your wits about you at times to keep on track of which timeline you are actually in.

I really enjoyed this film. I'm quite surprised to be honest to see it with only a 6.3/10 on IMDb. I feel like I must've seen something in it that others didn't. I highly recommend this one though. 9/10.

I USED TO BE FUNNY is an above-average mumblecore offering starring Rachel Sennott. Considering how quickly Rachel Sennott has blown up since the confusingly popular BOTTOMS has come out, it almost feels like she owed someone a favor doing this movie. While the movie mostly feels marketed as a comedy, the film itself primarily exists in the realm of heavy-handed drama, and when they do try to infuse comedy, it rarely lands. While the plot is pretty unique and ambitious for this kind of film, it also somehow felt a bit misdirected. On that note, there are certain movies (and often books) that you can consume where you feel almost certain that this story is primarily just something that its writer straight up went through and decided to turn into a feature length media offering - this is 100% one of those movies. My gut tells me that the writer simply went through all of this herself, and decided to tell the story, perhaps primarily because the combination of things feels so specific that it doesn't seem like someone would pair these two themes together any other way, namely the standup comedy details with the nannying plot points. The subject matter isn't interesting enough for someone to focus on without having been through it in reality, I feel, and sadly, it's not quite interesting enough as a movie either. While Sennott's performance is the strongest thing about the entire movie, with it being as dynamic and enjoyable as hers generally are, it doesn't fulfill in many other ways in the end - the only other thing I really found enjoyable in the end was its ambition. Worth watching once for (divine lordess) Sennott fans - not sure who else.

I used to value my time, but then for some reason I found myself watching this. I would like to get back to valuing my own time... Clearly this is movie not aimed at me, but non the less I found the performances poor, the script cringe-inducing and story line boring and meandering. If I were to recommend this to anyone it would only be to north Americans aged between 14 and 21. Fortunately I do not know anyone in that demographic, so am unable to recommend it at all. If I were to recommend this to anyone it would only be to north Americans aged between 14 and 21. Fortunately I do not know anyone in that demographic, so am unable to recommend it at all.

Holy moly, guacamole, dude-this movie absolutely blew me away. Hands down, it's the most powerful and realistic portrayal of PTSD from rape and assault that I've ever seen. It doesn't shy away from the raw, gut-wrenching reality of trauma, and honestly, I felt every second of it. The flashbacks were intense, hitting me hard, but that only proves how well this film captured the experience. It wasn't just a story-it was a visceral, emotional journey.

Caleb was such a compelling side character, providing just the right balance of support without overshadowing the depth of the protagonist's struggle. And Rachel? She was beyond perfect for this role. She didn't just act-she became this character, making every emotion feel heartbreakingly real. I need to see more of them working together because their chemistry was undeniable, and they brought so much authenticity to the screen.

Movies like this are so important. They spark conversations, they validate survivors, and they don't sugarcoat the truth. I need more films like this-stories that don't just entertain but matter. Keep them coming.

I became aware of this due to it being released on one of Vinegar Syndrome's partner labels.

It's an indie drama about an aspiring female stand up comedian coming to terms with past trauma and being a sort of surrogate mother to Brooke, a missing teenager she used to nanny.

The performances are strong, but the film is humourless, which I'm sure is intentional. I've seen a lot of indie "dramedy" over the years and sadly they are all much of a muchness: the same "sad boi/girl" soundtracks, the same themes of female empowerment, the same coffee shop / bike ride / small rodent montages. Fleabag was such a megahit it set the template, but nothing has really moved on since. It's another film I'm underwhelmed by.

I find the back and forth between past and present extremely unnecessary. It tries so hard to be 'mysterious' with its story telling but it ended up being excruciatingly cheesy and predictable. It's not as groundbreaking and profound as it think it did.

Although there are some funny moments, there's a significant imbalance between the poignant drama and the comedy. It fails to smoothly blend the two, and ended up being awkward and sometimes cringe.

I'm a massive fan of Sennott, and unfortunately her alone cannot carry the whole film. Ironically the only funny character, among dozens of stand up comedians.

Comedy is inherent in calling on personal experiences for a joke. Humor is a defense mechanism and a willing tool to break the ice and even recover. Comedy is healing and is used significantly in the film I Used To Be Funny. In a somewhat dark comedy set against the backdrop of the #MeToo era, the film stars Rachel Sennott as a struggling comic battling PTSD who takes part in a search for a missing girl she used to nanny. The film tackles heavy subject matter with airy deftness, and what ties it together is Sennott's arresting performance. In an edgy and humorous film, I Used To Be Funny takes center stage as one of the year's best.

Full review @ Geek Vibes Network.

Is anyone else getting a bit sick and tired of these indie funny but trying to be edgy and a bit prechy films that seem to be being churned out again and again over the last few years?

Another film about a stand-up who has problems. Hello 'Big Sick' vibes- yes, we've been here time and time again.

There's nothing overly interesting, or new, or exciting, or indeed worthy of your time about this film.

It exists. It will no doubt develop a cult following of people who will dislike this review, and that's absolutely fine.

I stand by the fact that this film offers very little new and I'm sure the elements will be repeated again and again.

This is a great film. It's super funny and engaging, truly one of the best films I've seen in ages and guess what - no hitmen and no bloody beyond belief murders, thank God!

I just loved every bit of it from start to finish. When you're so engaged that you don't even hit pause to go to the bathroom or the kitchen, you know you're watching something terrific. I don't even remember when was the last time that happened. Maybe 2019?

The humor is excellent and you'll want it to keep going and going. It's never over the top and it never falls flat. It draws you in and highlights the humanity of the characters.

I really enjoyed the acting. The relationship between Sam and Noah is pitch perfect and funny as hell. I couldn't stop rooting for them. Brooke, Paige, and Philip are terrific in their supporting roles.

How often do you get to watch a film where there's not one wrong note, not one tired, manipulative scene?

Watch this movie!

And please please please - come out with a sequel! Why not? Look how long Bridget Jones has been evolving, and those writers aren't even half as good.

I came into this movie after just watching the movie bottoms and wanted to watch another Rachel Sennott, I left this movie speechless. I was not expecting this film to be so unexpectedly good. This movie sets the narrative with a comedian who has PTSD looking for a missing girl. This movie balances her comedic skills with a very harsh topic. The movie takes place at two different times showing the differences of her character and also getting more character background as well. The way they panned out this movie is just right and is not too slow. If you're looking for a movie to laugh at, but also cry to this is the movie for you.

Rachel Sennott first came on my radar when Shiva Baby was released. I loved her in that, and have followed her work since then. I think that she brings a certain charm and personality to any role she has, and this movie was no different. I will start off by saying that unlike her previous works, this one did not rely heavily on comedy, hardly at all. It is a total drama and it is heartbreaking. I saw one review on here say that it is "a chore to get through", which it kind of is, but the material and content of the story needs the viewer to be uncomfortable in order for the movie to accomplish its goal. I highly recommend!

This was a wonderfully written story. The casting was perfection, as if the role was written for Rachel Sennott. She more than proved that comedy is not the only genre in which she shines. That being said, there is a lot of humor in this film.

The content is heavy and Sam's situation is relatable in that she is torn between helping someone she loves and protecting herself from further trauma.

A beautiful first film by writer/director Ally Pankiw. She handled a very difficult topic with care and compassion while acknowledging the mess and reality of life. Would recommend and looking forward to her future work!

Thankfully I tend to go to the movies and just pick anything, as long as it's not a trash action film. This was one of those picks. I did have expectations but they were quite low because 1-I didn't know what the movie was about and 2-I don't quite care for the Sam (I can't remember her name) actress (yet). This is only the second movie I see with them as the lead and was fully ready to just be blah by this movie too (shiva baby). This actress is just a smidge more emotionally capable slight range in speech and facial expression than Kristen S. I like dry actors but this ever so slight expression unsettles me a bit (i dont know why:).

Anywho enough about that this movie starts out slow and not knowing what will happen or what the movie was about really helped stay focus. If I had known what the movie was about before hand I'd say this was boring but it really wasn't. Well it wasn't that boring it could have used better comedic lines. It picks up once you learn the father's occupation and sadly from that instant you know something horrid happened. I really wished they wouldn't show it but went on with the vagueness that explained but it wasn't to anxiety stricken that one couldn't bare it. It was needed, especially for the folk that probably wouldn't have guessed correctly.

Overall stop reading people's thoughts on something or watching ad trailers before watching a movie. It helps to know a rough premise and that's that.

Still a very enjoyable movie seen the limited budget that it was made with.

The movie starts slow at the beginning but then picks up pace.

Sam (Rachel Sennott) looks like one of those stand up comedians you meet once in a while in a stand up comedian club of which you wonder afterwards how they are doing because you never see them again in that same stand up comedy bar.

At some point you wonder whether they moved on to something new or if they moved to another stand up comedy bar which you aren't visiting and getting better reviews for their work or that they might end up suddenly in some movie which you just happen to view on a rainy day.

I guess that is what the movie is really about.