Sam Cowell is a central character in the film I Used to Be Funny, portrayed by Rachel Sennott. She is a stand-up comedian based in Toronto, known for her sharp humor and vibrant performances. However, beneath her comedic persona, Sam is struggling with deep emotional trauma and depression, triggered by the disappearance of Brooke, a young girl she once nannied. Her journey in the film explores themes of loss, mental health, and the complexities of relationships, as Sam tries to navigate her pain while seeking redemption and healing.

Trivia/Facts

• Sam Cowell, played by Rachel Sennott, is a significant character in the film “I Used to Be Funny.” She is a stand-up comedian living in Toronto. Sam’s career and mental health are deeply affected by the disappearance of Brooke, a young girl she used to nanny. This traumatic event has led to Sam’s struggle with depression and PTSD.
• Sam’s journey begins when she gets a nannying job through an agency and meets Brooke and her father, Cameron. Brooke’s mother is in the hospital, battling illness, leaving Cameron and Sam to handle daily life. Brooke is initially resistant to having a new nanny, but Sam works hard to build a connection with her. They eventually form a close bond, and Sam becomes a significant figure in Brooke’s life.
• In the present day, Brooke is missing, and Sam’s life has spiraled into a state of depression and inactivity. Through flashbacks, the film reveals how Sam’s relationship with Brooke and her family started to deteriorate. Despite initial success, Sam’s involvement with the family grows complicated, especially after Brooke’s mother dies. Cameron, who initially shows little interest in Sam’s comedy, begins to appreciate it more, sharing her performances with his friends.

• One night, as Sam is leaving to celebrate her anniversary with her boyfriend Noah, Cameron, now drunk, makes unwanted advances towards her. He references her comedy routines about rough sex, which makes Sam uncomfortable. Despite her rejection, Cameron’s aggression escalates, leading to a horrific event where he rapes Sam. Shocked and traumatized, Sam goes to Brooke’s room under the pretense of a carbon monoxide leak to get her out of the house.
• Sam then takes Cameron’s car and drives away with Brooke, eventually pulling over to call the police. After reporting the rape and getting examined at the hospital, Sam faces a legal battle. Cameron is eventually convicted of the crime and sentenced to five years in prison. During this period, Brooke’s anger towards Sam grows, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Brooke accuses Sam of lying and later goes missing.
• Sam returns to Brooke and Cameron’s home, now empty and abandoned, and finds Brooke’s journal with a phone number for someone named Nathan. She calls Nathan, pretending to be a friend of Brooke’s, and learns his location. Determined to find Brooke, Sam leaves a party to go after her. She eventually tracks Brooke down in Niagara Falls.

• When Sam finds Brooke, she discovers that Brooke is using drugs and staying with Nathan, an older man. Despite resistance from Brooke and Nathan, Sam uses pepper spray to subdue Nathan and takes Brooke back to her motel. After a heated argument, Brooke accuses Sam of ruining her family but ultimately admits her own pain and confusion. They reconcile, and Sam starts driving them back home.
• On the way back, Brooke asks Sam for one last condition before returning home. The final scenes depict Sam and Brooke at Niagara Falls, a symbol of their journey and healing. Sam returns to performing comedy, showing a renewed sense of purpose. The film ends on a hopeful note, with Sam reclaiming her passion and connection with Brooke.

Sam Cowell’s relationship with other characters

• Sam Cowell and Brooke (Olga Petsa): Sam is Brooke’s nanny, and at first, Brooke doesn’t like her. Over time, they become close, and Sam cares for her like a big sister or mother. After a terrible event with Brooke’s father, Brooke starts to blame Sam for breaking up their family. Despite the hurt, Sam eventually finds Brooke when she runs away, and they make up, becoming close again.
• Sam Cowell and Cameron (Brooke’s Father): Cameron is Brooke’s dad and hires Sam to take care of his daughter. At first, they get along fine, but after his wife dies, Cameron starts drinking and becomes aggressive. One night, he forces himself on Sam, and this changes everything. His actions not only harm Sam but also create a lot of problems between her and Brooke.
• Sam Cowell and Noah (Sam’s Boyfriend): Noah is Sam’s boyfriend, but their relationship is not perfect. Sam’s depression and trauma keep her distant from him, making it hard for them to connect. When Cameron assaults Sam, it stops her from celebrating her anniversary with Noah, which affects their relationship even more. While Noah cares about Sam, her emotional struggles create a gap between them.

• Sam Cowell and Nathan: Nathan is the man Brooke stays with after she runs away. He is much older and a bad influence on Brooke. When Sam finds them, Nathan tries to stop her from taking Brooke back, but Sam uses pepper spray to protect Brooke. Nathan is a negative force in Brooke’s life, and Sam steps in to save her from him.
• Sam Cowell and her Roommates: Sam’s roommates are part of her life but don’t play a big role in the story. They live normal lives while Sam is dealing with her problems. Sam doesn’t always talk to them about what she’s going through, but they remind her that she still has people around her. Even though they aren’t close, their presence shows that Sam has some support, even if she doesn’t use it.