Watch Funny Cow

Funny Cow is a British drama film released in 2017, starring Maxine Peake, Macy Shackleton, and Ashton Steele. Directed by Adrian Shergold and written by Tony Pitts, the movie is a gritty and uncompromising look at the life of a female stand-up comedian in the male-dominated world of British comedy in the 1970s and 80s. The film is set in the northern English town of Sheffield in the late 70s and early 80s, a time of economic decline and social upheaval. Maxine Peake plays the lead role of a woman known only as "Funny Cow," who is determined to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy. Despite facing constant prejudice and discrimination from her male peers, Funny Cow perseveres, drawing on her own bitter childhood experiences to turn her pain and suffering into comedy.

The movie is essentially a character study of Funny Cow, exploring her tumultuous life and the forces that shaped her into the woman she is today. We see flashbacks to her childhood, where she was abused by her father and dismissed by her mother, setting the stage for a life of loneliness, rejection, and resentment. As an adult, she finds solace in her art, using comedy as a coping mechanism to confront her demons and connect with others.

Despite the bleak subject matter, Funny Cow is often surprisingly funny, thanks in no small part to Maxine Peake's performance. She delivers her lines with sharp wit and a sardonic edge that perfectly captures the essence of a woman who has been through hell and back. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Macy Shackleton, who plays the young Funny Cow with a raw emotional intensity that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The film's production values are also noteworthy, capturing the gritty realism of the era with a drab color palette and vintage clothing and set design. The use of music is also effective, with a mix of 70s and 80s rock and roll tracks that provide a suitably rebellious backdrop to Funny Cow's journey.

Overall, Funny Cow is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the world of stand-up comedy. It is not a lighthearted romp, but rather a gritty and emotionally intense portrait of a woman who refuses to be silenced. It explores important themes such as gender, class, and trauma, and does so with sensitivity and nuance. Maxine Peake's performance is a standout, making Funny Cow a must-see for anyone who appreciates great acting and compelling storytelling.

In conclusion, Funny Cow is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys gritty dramas and exceptional acting. The movie is an authentic portrayal of the harsh realities of the stand-up comedy scene in the 70s and 80s, and Maxine Peake delivers an unforgettable performance as the troubled but resilient Funny Cow. The film is emotionally intense and thought-provoking, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

Funny Cow is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.