A queer female sober standup comic, Noel, relapses after getting dumped and goes on the bender of all benders across NYC—even engaging in criminal activity—until she reaches a “rock bottom” and turns to the stage for catharsis…
THE PUNCHLINE is a rare glimpse into the underground comedy scene of NY. It’s a creative rendition of real life with a cinematic and aesthetic style but documentary like realism with most characters’ names (real comics) unchanged…. featuring a cast of SNL alum, real working standup comedians, and veterans.
Noel’s therapist (Andy Dick) coaches her back to sobriety with the help of Judy Gold, and other friends in the standup world… after an epic and life threatening relapse in her sobriety. Noel’s journey cumulates in a powerful punch, showing of the redemption that can be found on the stage and as well as the importance of meaningful friendships.
“This is a love letter to the standup world to which I met my best friends, chosen family, and mentors of the craft.” —Noel
Noel Leon is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and comedian whose work spans multiple genres and disciplines. A veteran journalist and stand-up comic, she brings razor-sharp wit and emotional depth to every project. Her debut feature, A Comedy of Errors—which she wrote, co-directed, edited, and starred in—premiered at the Big Apple Film Festival this spring and has already attracted distribution interest.
Noel’s earlier short films have won several festivals, showcasing her unique voice as a writer-director-performer. Currently, she is in preproduction on The Sicilian Squad, a star-studded, high-budget feature she penned, backed by Buffalo 8, Mickey Gooch, and Rick Schwartz (Black Swan, The Departed).
In addition to her film work, Noel is represented by Trident Media for her debut book, set to release next spring. A former competitive figure skater of 17 years, she brings fierce discipline and rhythm to her storytelling. Based in New York City, she is also sober and active in the local recovery community, grounding her work in honesty, resilience, and transformation.
PREMIERE AVAILABLE
JOHN STAMOS
ANDY DICK
SIOBHAN FALLON HOGAN (SNL, MEN IN BLACK, SEINFELD)
JUDY GOLD
LUKE NULL (SNL)
