The Grand Illusion

I USED TO BE FUNNY is a dark dramedy that follows Sam Cowell (Rachel Sennott), an aspiring stand-up comedian and au pair struggling with PTSD, as she decides whether or not to join the search for Brooke (Olga Petsa), a missing teenage girl she used to nanny. The story exists between the present, where Sam tries to recover from her trauma and get back on stage, and the past, where memories of Brooke make it harder and harder to ignore the petulant teen’s sudden disappearance. Writer/director Ally Pankiw’s debut feature is both funny and heartbreaking in its honest and refreshing look at trauma and recovery, and how they affect the relationships and communities that shape us.

“The tonal balance of I Used to Be Funny is thoughtful, folding in laughs with serious subject matter that never at any point feels manipulative or punishing, but rather relatable and therapeutic.” Jenny Nulf, The Austin Chronicle

“Sennott is perfectly cast, portraying Sam as simultaneously lifeless and hilarious with her default blasé attitude and dry-wit humor.” Weiting Lu, Little White Lies

“CRITIC’S PICK! Features a mic-drop performance by Rachel Sennott.” Amy Nicholson, The New York Times