Friendship Tested by Miles and Self-Discovery

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Am I OK?
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Year Released: 2022, 2024
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Stephanie Allynne, Tig Notaro
Writer(s): Lauren Pomerantz
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jermaine Fowler, Kiersey Clemons, Molly Gordon, with Sean Hayes, Tig Notaro
Where To Watch: debuts on Max June 6, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: AM I OK? a standout feature from the Sundance Film Festival a few years ago introduces us to Dakota Johnson as Lucy, a receptionist whose life gets turned upside down when her best friend Jane, portrayed with remarkable depth by Sonoya Mizuno, announces a life-changing event that alters both their worlds and their friendships. This upheaval triggers a series of events that end up as a profound revelation for Lucy, played out through a carefully curated sequence of vignettes and a deep look into herself. Under the guidance of directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, the film marries drama and humor, touching on themes of identity and acceptance with a gentle hand.

Johnson's portrayal of Lucy in AM I OK? is both subtle and moving, breathing life into her character with a relatable rawness as she navigates the tumultuous path of self-discovery. Her performance captures complex emotions with minimal effort needed, highlighting her growth as an actress and making Lucy's journey profoundly engaging. Meanwhile, as Jane, Mizuno delivers a performance that balances ambition with genuine concern, enriching the film’s exploration of evolving friendships. Her strong and vulnerable character adds depth to the narrative as she navigates her ambitions and friendship with Lucy. The chemistry between Johnson and Mizuno is the film's strength, anchoring the emotional core with sincerity and warmth. Their dynamic relationship is charged with nuanced expressions and genuine interactions, making their story compelling and ensuring that the audience is deeply invested in their shared emotional journey.

The supporting cast of Jermaine Fowler as Danny, Kiersey Clemons as Brittany, and Molly Gordon as Kat all offer vital and important pieces to the film's story. Each injects a critical aspect that helps guide the narrative and works in tandem to show Lucy and Jane their way into the movie. Although meant as supporting characters, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in learning more about them all!

AM I OK? occasionally feels like it’s holding back, avoiding the more profound, rougher edges of its central themes. Although the screenplay weaves humor and heartfelt moments, it sometimes misses opportunities to fully explore the nuances of Lucy and Jane’s shifting dynamics. I still genuinely enjoyed the entire experience, but it may have sometimes played its safe to appeal to a larger audience.

AM I OK? marks an impressive directorial debut for Notaro and Allynne. It provides a reflective and engaging meditation on friendship and personal evolution, challenging viewers to reconsider how relationships shape our lives. The film distinguishes itself with genuine performances and an earnest exploration of its characters’ battles and breakthroughs.

AM I OK? offers a thoughtful yet restrained look at identity and the enduring power of friendship. It skillfully balances humor with drama, though it could benefit from deeper diving into more challenging themes and some of its characters. Johnson and Mizuno keep the audience engaged, ensuring that each scene resonates with authentic emotional depth, making this film a noteworthy watch for its heartfelt storytelling and standout performances.

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[photo courtesy of HBO MAX, MAX, WARNER BROS.]

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