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In “Marcy Learns Something New,” the titular character (Rachel Dratch) — a bored, lonely widow whose only child is grown and out of the house — forges an unexpected connection and discovers a new passion. As such, Julia Kennelly’s short film is pretty cathartic and moving to watch in the middle of a destructive, terrifying pandemic.

Virtually everyone in the world is bored and lonely at the moment. Doesn’t the thought of a new, fulfilling relationship sound especially inviting right now? What about the opportunity, ability, and gumption to sharpen a hitherto unknown skill set?

The premise of “Marcy Learns Something New” is fairly simple. Marcy is trying to fill her time with something rewarding and meaningful, and she’s not finding it in Zumba class or Pilates. So she signs up for a dominatrix workshop and turns out to have a knack for a BDSM — and providing submissives with exactly what they need. Before she knows it, she’s bonding with Ben (Henry Ayres-Brown), a kind sub who’s also looking for connection.

Part of the fun of “Marcy Learns Something New” is its refusal to make Marcy’s motivations clear. We’re never 100 percent sure if she’s sexually gratified as a dominatrix, if she likes it primarily because she’s good at it, or if she just wants to help people who are in need, like Ben. Maybe it’s all of the above, or something else entirely. What’s certain is that Marcy is experiencing an awakening, and finding real joy, perhaps for the first time in years.

It’s a beautiful thing to witness, especially right now.

“Marcy Learns Something New” premiered at the 2020 Aspen Shortsfest, where it received a Special Mention for Comedy. It was selected for Short of the Week and named a Staff Pick at Vimeo. Check it out on either of those platforms or below.