Funny/Not Funny is a short film that explores grief through an unconventional blend of humour and heartbreak. Written by and starring Jocelyne O’Toole, with direction from Michelle Leung, the film examines the messy and often contradictory ways people respond to loss, finding comedy in situations that are anything but funny.
O’Toole plays Rosie Richardson, an aspiring stand up comedian attempting to navigate both her career and personal life. Her world is abruptly shaken when she receives news of her mother’s death. Already struggling to process the reality of the loss, Rosie finds herself confronted by a final gift sent by her mother before her passing. What appears to be a simple household item becomes a powerful reminder of everything she is trying to avoid, setting her on a journey that is as emotional as it is humorous.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its deeply personal perspective. As both screenwriter and lead actress, Jocelyne O’Toole draws from experiences of loss to create a story that feels authentic and emotionally grounded. Rather than presenting grief as a straightforward process, the screenplay embraces its unpredictability. Rosie’s reactions are often irrational, awkward and occasionally funny, reflecting the confusion that can accompany significant life changes.
Michelle Leung’s direction balances the contrasting tones effectively. Humour emerges naturally from uncomfortable circumstances rather than from traditional comedic setups, allowing the emotional weight of the story to remain intact. The result is a film that can shift between lighthearted moments and genuine sadness without losing its sense of purpose.
O’Toole delivers a strong central performance, capturing Rosie’s vulnerability while maintaining the character’s determination to keep moving forward. Her portrayal makes the emotional journey believable and relatable, particularly as Rosie attempts to cope with grief by focusing on problems she feels she can control. The supporting cast complements this approach, helping to create a world that feels lived in and recognisable.
What makes Funny/Not Funny particularly effective is its understanding that grief rarely follows a clear path. The film acknowledges that people often use humour as a coping mechanism, not to diminish sadness but to survive it. Through Rosie’s experiences, the story illustrates how laughter and loss can exist side by side.
Warm, thoughtful and emotionally honest, Funny/Not Funny is a touching short that uses comedy to examine one of life’s most universal experiences. With Jocelyne O’Toole guiding the project both on screen and behind the page, the film offers a sincere reflection on memory, loss and the complicated road toward acceptance.
