All My Puny Sorrows is based on the bestselling novel by Miriam Toews. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Elfrieda and Yolandi, who were raised in a strict Mennonite community in rural Canada. Elfrieda is a successful concert pianist who enjoys global fame and accolades, while Yolandi has chosen a more conventional life as a wife, mother, and struggling writer.
Despite her professional success, Elfrieda battles with chronic depression and suicidal thoughts, causing her to seek help from Yolandi. As Yolandi tries to help her sister, she confronts her own personal demons and struggles with the expectations of her religious upbringing, her husband's infidelity, and her strained relationship with her teenage daughter.
The film explores themes of mental illness, sisterhood, family, love, and cultural expectations. The cast features Canadian actors Alison Pill and Sarah Gadon as the two sisters, with additional performances by Donal Logue, Amybeth McNulty, and Mare Winningham.
All My Puny Sorrows is a poignant and emotionally impactful drama that offers a realistic portrayal of the effects of mental illness on individuals, families, and communities. The film premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and was directed by writer-director Michael McGowan.