Is ‘I Am Not Okay with This’ just okay?

This past Friday, Netflix released their newest series, “I Am Not Okay with This”, a show that has promised a lot given that the producers of such Netflix hits as “Stranger Things” and “End of the F***ing World” and a star-studded cast of young actors helped bring this to life. Based on the comic book by Charles Forsman, the show centers on the life of 17 year old Sydney Novak, an average high school girl going through the tragic loss of her father while dealing with typical high school dilemmas. Things soon take a bizarre turn, however, when Sydney starts noticing strange telekinetic abilities that quickly begin to turn her world upside down. Now it is up to her and a new friend to try and unlock the secret behind these powers before things go awry.

The first season of “I Am Not Okay with This” brings a lot to the table that holds plenty of potential which, for the most part, it capitalizes on very well. The premise, starting off, gives way for a decent bit of interpretation from its audience, as the powers possessed by Sydney could very easily be seen as an allegory for her growing up and dealing with the extreme issues in her life. This fits in organically into the show’s execution and tone, as the show heavily relies on Sydney’s thoughts and narration to drive a lot of the narrative. Normally, this would be an irritating factor that most shows would use for lazy exposition, but “I Am Okay with This” proves to be one of the very rare exceptions that uses this storytelling method to the best of its abilities. This is thanks to the playful use of the narration as an element to enhance Sydney’s character development rather than straight up telling the audience everything we need to know about everyone while leaving enough room for the directors and actors to tell the story visually as well.

As the season continues, however, while things don’t go downhill, the interpretive edge that was present beforehand begins to dissipate. By the latter half, what the show intends to do with Sydney’s abilities becomes more literal, giving the show a more typical action or fantasy tone. While not badly handled and ultimately lending itself to an intriguing cliffhanger by the end of the season, it does ultimately make the show loss some of its identity.

The same can be said, more or less, for the show’s handling of the more grounded elements. While ultimately containing the same dilemmas as many similar coming-of-age dramas, the development of the relationships that are birthed throughout the season take some turns that some may not immediately see coming. This allows for a more layered and complex take on adolescent life that is hard to find.

What keeps the season afloat throughout it all is Sophia Lillis, who simply owns the show. The former “It” star shines in the role, tapping into the playful sensibilities of the series while bringing her own sense of gravitas when needed. She, much like the show as a whole itself, never becomes particularly funny, but is still nonetheless amusing and entertaining to see develop on screen. The supporting cast, while not quite as stand out, do a solid job filling their roles, with Kathleen Rose Perkins as Sydney’s distraught mother leaving a particularly strong impression.

The work done in presenting this world also helps give the show a good chunk of its character. The editing is particularly well done, where it uses Sydney’s narration to its advantage to deliver an ultimately fast paced tempo to how the show is told without ever becoming too choppy. The cinematography and sound design take an almost Spielbergian direction in the use of warm colors and lighting with some distinct sound choices to distinguish the fantastical moments. The music choices, as well, contain a hit list of numerous 80s and 90s tracks, which while a bit abrasive at times, were fun to listen to overall.

“I Am Not Okay with This” doesn’t bring anything drastically new to the table, but has nevertheless started with a solid opening season. The first season seems to be planting the seeds for something more exciting to come and we’ll be anticipating to see where it goes from here. But for those looking for a fun, mildly demanding watch, “I Am Not Okay with This” is a show you should be more than okay with.