NOT OKAY
Not okay (2022) is a film directed by gen-z’er Quinn Shephard.
Shephard’s Not Okay is a satirical dark comedy that revolves around Danni Sanders
(Zoey Deutch). Danni is a Brooklyn based, very lonely aspiring writer who turns to
instagram for attention. To get noticed by her influencer crush Colin (Dylan O’Brien),
also known as ‘weedboiicolin’ on instagram, she decides to fake going on a writers-
retreat trip to Paris.
All seems to go perfectly fine until a bombing takes place in front of the Arch de
Triomphe, the exact spot where Danni had just posted a selfie.
Danni unwittingly falls into a lie bigger than she ever imagined.
She fake-returns from Paris by leaving the airport at the same time as a flight from Paris
lands. To keep up her lie she decides to join a trauma group to essentially steal their
emotions and experiences. In the group she meets Rowan (Mia Isaac), a real trauma
survivor dedicated to societal change.
The movie deals with topics such as gun violence, white privilege and cancel culture.
Rowan’s character could be compared to Starr Carter (The Hate U Give 2018).
Both women of color who have been through a lot and use everyday to fight for what
they believe in.
And then there is Colin, the exact opposite of Rowan.
A privileged white male from Maine who uses AAVE, copies fashion from black
communities and has a kink for mental illness (“who’s my damaged little girl?”).
Rowan is the perfect lead for a political drama and Colin is a comedic relief.
It feels like you’re watching two separate movies where you’re constantly longing for
more screen time for both actors.
Danni’s wardrobe exists out of y2k inspired looks. It draws its inspiration from TikTok
micro trends. The chunky rings, colorful makeup looks and dyed hair prove that Danni
has no sense of individuality. She wears whatever is ‘in’ that month.
This is also noticeable when Danni and Rowan start to become closer as Danni starts to
dress like Rowan. This is the perfect reflection of Danni’s personality: copying others to
be liked.
There were times where I had to pause the movie to process the words coming out of
Danni’s mouth (e.g. fomo for 9/11, saying life is easier as a minority, etc).
She is the definition of tone deaf, superficial and cringe.
It talks about real issues and showcases just how tone deaf privileged people are.
It makes you uncomfortable and that is why I think this movie works.
Danni is not a hero in this story. To have an unlikable female protagonist is refreshing.
This movie is for anyone who is able to withstand cringey online language used in real
life and for those who appreciate a bleached haired Dylan O’Brien.
Not okay (2022) is a film directed by gen-z’er Quinn Shephard.
Shephard’s Not Okay is a satirical dark comedy that revolves around Danni Sanders
(Zoey Deutch). Danni is a Brooklyn based, very lonely aspiring writer who turns to
instagram for attention. To get noticed by her influencer crush Colin (Dylan O’Brien),
also known as ‘weedboiicolin’ on instagram, she decides to fake going on a writers-
retreat trip to Paris.
All seems to go perfectly fine until a bombing takes place in front of the Arch de
Triomphe, the exact spot where Danni had just posted a selfie.
Danni unwittingly falls into a lie bigger than she ever imagined.
She fake-returns from Paris by leaving the airport at the same time as a flight from Paris
lands. To keep up her lie she decides to join a trauma group to essentially steal their
emotions and experiences. In the group she meets Rowan (Mia Isaac), a real trauma
survivor dedicated to societal change.
The movie deals with topics such as gun violence, white privilege and cancel culture.
Rowan’s character could be compared to Starr Carter (The Hate U Give 2018).
Both women of color who have been through a lot and use everyday to fight for what
they believe in.
And then there is Colin, the exact opposite of Rowan.
A privileged white male from Maine who uses AAVE, copies fashion from black
communities and has a kink for mental illness (“who’s my damaged little girl?”).
Rowan is the perfect lead for a political drama and Colin is a comedic relief.
It feels like you’re watching two separate movies where you’re constantly longing for
more screen time for both actors.
Danni’s wardrobe exists out of y2k inspired looks. It draws its inspiration from TikTok
micro trends. The chunky rings, colorful makeup looks and dyed hair prove that Danni
has no sense of individuality. She wears whatever is ‘in’ that month.
This is also noticeable when Danni and Rowan start to become closer as Danni starts to
dress like Rowan. This is the perfect reflection of Danni’s personality: copying others to
be liked.
There were times where I had to pause the movie to process the words coming out of
Danni’s mouth (e.g. fomo for 9/11, saying life is easier as a minority, etc).
She is the definition of tone deaf, superficial and cringe.
It talks about real issues and showcases just how tone deaf privileged people are.
It makes you uncomfortable and that is why I think this movie works.
Danni is not a hero in this story. To have an unlikable female protagonist is refreshing.
This movie is for anyone who is able to withstand cringey online language used in real
life and for those who appreciate a bleached haired Dylan O’Brien.
