New Netflix series far, far better than “Okay”
Cast, writing, vibe make “I Am Not Okay with This” binge-worthy
Raider Times photo / Courtesy of Netflix
Sofia Bryant (left), Wyatt Oleff (center), and Sophia Lillis star in “I Am Not Okay with This.”
February 28, 2020
Netflix brings us another binge-worthy must-see in its new original series, “I Am Not Okay with This.” From the creators of “Stranger Things” and “The End of the F***ing World,” it’s no wonder why it’s the perfect mix of mysterious sci-fi with a raw coming-of-age story. Featuring “It” stars Sophia Lillis and Wyatt Oleff, it attracts you with some familiar faces. Topics that most young people themselves try not to talk about are brought up nonchalantly. It was a good shock to say the least.
“I Am Not Okay with This” is protagonist Syd’s narration about everything she writes in her diary. She navigates through bumpy friendships, annoying boys, and trauma from the past … all while dealing with some strange occurrences. The ’80s aesthetic but modern tone makes it easy to keep track of all the “oldies” slang, too.
What kept me interested was the way the show is able to portray everyday teenage struggles so realistically. Seeing common teen problems normalized is what makes this series so amazing. I was shocked at how raw and straight-forward everything was. Topics that most young people themselves try not to talk about are brought up nonchalantly. It was a good shock to say the least.
Along with twists and turns in the plot, the casting is one of the best I’ve ever seen. There’s no filter when it comes to Syd’s thoughts and actions and her humor fits so perfectly into all the scenes. Sophia Lillis plays her character to a T, from facial expressions to the witty sarcasm. It was also a nice surprise to see so many female leads, like with new coming actress Sofia Bryant. Even minor characters help bring the story together.
Overall, “I Am Not Okay with This” was everything I expected and more. A 10 out of 10. Its cast is inclusive and diverse and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved every second of it and ran home on release day to binge the rest. It’s worth the watch and won’t disappoint.
Stream “I Am Not Okay with This” on Netflix pronto.
–Feb. 27, 2020–
