With a fairly fragmented yet accessible narrative, I Used to Be Funny uses the past and present to supply audiences a work of comparison – what life is like before and after trauma.

Stand-up comedian Sam (Rachel Sennott of Bottoms and Bodies Bodies Bodies) becomes an immediate introvert after an incident involving a family she used to nanny for. Sam is so rattled by her memories that she develops several layers of PTSD, that affects her close friends Paige and Philip (real-life comedians Sabrina Jalees and Caleb Hearon) and drives a wedge between her and former boyfriend Noah (Ennis Esmer of CBC’s Children Ruin Everything). Sam also feels guilty for the frequent rebellious disappearances of Brooke (Mixtape’s Olga Petsa), the pre-teen she was responsible for looking after before complicated matters with Brooke’s father Cameron (Jason Jones, in a drastic and impressive turn from his usual typecast comic relief in Daniel’s Gotta Die and Hot Tub Time Machine 2).

The role of Sam is a different change of pace for Sennott as well, who impressed audiences with her breakout in Shiva Baby. Sennott succeeds by creating two different yet completely believable versions of Sam: the confident self conscious comic and a discouraged victim of abuse.While the actor is still required to break the ice with her wit during awkward silences and confrontations, I Used to Be Funny provides Sennott with a meaty dual psychological character study that she’s still able to explore on a personal level. Writer/director Ally Pankiw (Black Mirror’s “Joan Is Awful” episode) knows how to compliment this character study as well by understanding how often the story should toggle through time. The Canadian filmmaker displays solid skills when building the world around Sam, such as the support circle that exists within the freewheeling hustle of stand-up comedy.

I Used to Be Funny holds out on clear explanations longer than expected, which demonstrates the trust Pankiw has for her audience. While some reveals may have been better staggered throughout the movie, the structure of this unique indie builds towards memorable emotional beats.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie