If the title does not tell it all, Sad Jokes is anything but what an audience will look for when seeking a comedy. But for some, it will be exactly what was needed. Starring writer and director Fabian Stumm, Sad Jokes is entirely self-aware, as it follows filmmaker Joseph and his best-friend Sonya as they work to raise their child together. As Sonya receives treatment for her depression, Joseph struggles to create his next film, stunted both artistically and personally, but always supported by those around him. Though slightly disjointed due to the overall structure of the film, it ultimately pays tribute the most to the people around Joseph, and ultimately writer-director-actor Stumm himself.

Told in a series of short scenes, with each feeling like its own glimpse into a certain aspect of Joseph’s life, the film comes together as an exploration of the artistic struggle, and the importance of a strong support system. Raising their child alone for 2 months as Sonya undergoes treatment for her depression, Joseph works to get his next film made, while exploring his own past and present relationships, that all help him through both professionally and personally. Each scene is reminiscent of a short film, focussed often on one or two characters, and how they each have influenced Joseph. From Sonya’s mother, who encourages Joseph to start dating again, to a chance run-in with Joseph’s ex-boyfriend and a random passerby who helps him unstick his hand from a vending machine, all small parts of Joseph’s life that give a glimpse into his work, and his own personal journey.

Fabian Stumm as Joseph really holds this film together, present in every scene, truly infusing each vignette with a personal touch. You can certainly tell this is a highly personal film for this writer-director, dedicated at the end to his friends and family, all so clearly reflected in each character Joseph interacts with. It is because of this personal performance, coming from a script written and directed so close to the heart, that the short scenes are able to come together to be anything more than the short glimpses into aspects of Joseph’s life that they are. Instead, they become lenses though which we can see Joseph’s true artistic ambition shine through.

Moments with friends and family that inspire, or encourage him to keep moving forward. Moments that force him to deal with the past, hopefully allowing him to become a better artist and father in the future. Difficult moments with his best friend Sonya, as she struggles with her own personal journey as they raise a child together. This unique approach to portraying the artistic process and all the ways the small moments help to guide us to our final draft, all coming together as a love letter to those Stumm loves the most.

Sad Jokes takes a unique spin on the portrayal of an artist’s ambition. Told alongside discussions of fatherhood, friendship, and love, Fabian Stumm’s highly personal film gives us highly focussed glimpses into his on screen surrogate Joseph’s life and relationships. This results in a piecing together of all the small interactions every day that help us to approach both our art and our work from a new lens.

Sad Jokes was screened at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Image courtesy of TIFF.