Directed by Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, Am I Ok? stars Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno as best friends: Lucy and Jane. The film is a joyous breath of fresh air, nestled in amongst some heavier films with darker themes in the Sundance film festival lineup.
Throughout the film we follow the two lifelong ‘besties’ as they continue to navigate lives, jobs and relationships by each other’s side. This is until Jane agrees to transfer to London for her work. An unexpected decision which causes Lucy to reveal some of her inner turmoil and personal secrets regarding her love life and sexuality. The two try and cope with this realization together and accept their inevitable separation, as things delve into chaos for each woman.
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Since coming of age films are usually tailored for/depicting high school to college aged individuals, Am I Ok? is a much needed addition to the genre for a bit older generation. It is for the people in their late 20s to early 30s, who are just beginning to discover and accept themselves, and learn that it is absolutely alright to be a bit late to the game.
The film nothing short of hilarious either. The dry humor and banter between the friends seems remarkably organic. It’s incredibly easy to imagine the stories and inside jokes that exist between the two characters from over the years. Johnson and Mizuno work off of each other so naturally that it is more than believable that they have been close since childhood. They are tender with each other, compassionate, teasing, and it is easy to see they are each other’s rock.
Lucy leans on Jane as she expresses her anxieties and fears. In turn, Jane does her best to help her friend through this time of self discovery, and the apprehension they are both experiencing regarding change.
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Dakota Johnson absolutely shines in this role as Lucy, and further proves her versatility and talent as an artist. She captures the depiction of her character’s anxieties, confusion, frustration and at times, hopelessness in such an honest manner – but not over the top. She also nails the comedic aspects with her impeccable timing and charm, solidifying herself as an incredible asset to this film, if not the main driving force.
(This is no different from her memorable performance in her second Sundance film this year: Cha Cha Real Smooth. Review to come soon here).
Right alongside Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno does an excellent job with this intricate role as Jane. She gives a stellar portrayal of a concerned, devoted, and at times overbearing friend. Yet, like Lucy, she can’t help but be likable. Molly Gordon as Kat provides some of the whimsical hilarity throughout (we all know a Kat), and director Tig Notaro has a short lived but hilarious cameo midway.
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Am I Ok? is modern and quirky, but not overly so that it becomes forced or irritable. It is a lovely balance of elements from comedies, dramas and buddy flicks. There are components that could be reminiscent of both Wilde’s Booksmart and Trier’s The Worst Person In the World in the best way possible – a heartfelt compliment to all three films, if you will.
The film touches on a multitude of important topics without delving too incredibly deep. In fact, it’s quite a light and breezy watch. This will surely be a comfort film for many, as its chick-flick aspects are extremely appealing, yet it is accessible enough for any sort of audience.
Notaro and Allynne’s Am I Ok? is an authentic and heart-warming story of self discovery and friendship. The performances are charming and the comedy shines in the best moments. It is a wonderful little reflection of the human experience: sweet, awkward, touching, beautiful… all of the above really, as is life.
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