Comedy,Drama
United Kingdom
Funny Cow is a British comedy-drama film directed by Adrian Shergold and written by Tony Pitts. The film is set in the 1970s in Northern England and follows the life of a female stand-up comedian, Funny Cow (played by Maxine Peake), as she navigates the challenging and often violent world of comedy clubs.
The film is structured around a series of stand-up routines given by Funny Cow, interspersed with flashbacks of her childhood and early adulthood. We learn that Funny Cow grew up in a dysfunctional family and experienced abuse from her father. As a result, she developed a hard exterior and used comedy as a coping mechanism.
As an adult, Funny Cow is determined to make a name for herself as a comedian, even in the face of sexism and harassment from male comedians and audience members. She performs in rough and tumble clubs, including one run by her abusive ex-husband (played by Tony Pitts).
Over time, Funny Cow's talent and determination lead her to some success, but she continues to grapple with her past and her relationships. The film explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of comedy to both entertain and heal.
The film also features supporting roles from Paddy Considine, Stephen Graham, and Alun Armstrong. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Maxine Peake's performance.
