I Used to Be Funny

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.