All My Puny Sorrows 2022

Yolandi “Yoli” Von Riesen, portrayed by Sarah Gadon, is a single mother and an aspiring author who struggles with her writing career. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she receives a distressing phone call informing her that her sister, Elfrieda “Elf” Von Riesen, played by Kelly Boegel, a celebrated concert pianist, has attempted to take her own life. This tragic event deeply resonates within the family, as they have a painful history—long ago, their father succumbed to the same fate.

Yoli is determined to be a pillar of support during this tumultuous time, yet she grapples with complicated emotions. When Elf expresses a desire to go to Switzerland for assisted suicide, Yoli’s feelings of anger and frustration boil over. She lashes out at her sister, telling her that despite her own struggles, Elf is drowning in self-pity while living a life that many would envy. The juxtaposition between Yoli’s own failures and Elf’s accolades creates a heart-wrenching tension within the narrative.

As the story unfolds, their aunt Tina, played by Mimi Kuzyk, faces her own battle with health complications and must undergo surgery. While at the hospital, Yoli attempts to convince Elf to abandon thoughts of Switzerland, insisting that there must be better alternatives to handle pain. However, Elf remains resolute, eventually seeking her freedom in a shocking act of agency; against Yoli’s fervent wishes, Elf is cleared to leave the hospital.

Tragedy strikes again when Yoli learns of Tina’s passing, leaving her and Elf even more vulnerable. The emotional unraveling continues, culminating in devastating news—Elf has chosen to end her life by stepping in front of a train, a decision that echoes the tragic history of their father. The haunting echoes of familial despair reverberate through Yoli’s mind, intensifying her grief.

In a bitter twist of fate, the aftermath of Elf’s death provides Yoli with unexpected financial relief. The life insurance payout ultimately empowers her to purchase a new home in Toronto and complete her long-awaited book. Yet, this resolution is shadowed by sorrow, as Yoli must come to terms with the irreplaceable loss of her sister and the generational pain that has plagued their family. The story is a profound exploration of the interconnections between life, death, and the complexities of familial love, leaving viewers to ponder the delicate balance between support and understanding in times of crisis.