Sundance: The relaxed dramedy of 'Am I OK?'

by Matt St Clair

Films like Am I Ok?, are something of a relief. The new joint directorial effort from Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allyne dispels the myth that we must have our entire life path figured out by the time 30 hits. Your chosen career, who you want to marry, etcetra. 30 may be a milestone, but you've still got plenty of time to find yourself. 

As 32-year old Lucy (Dakota Johnson) discovers, some people even figure out who they want to love later than expected...

During a bedtime conversation with her best friend Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), Lucy comes out as a lesbian and has a bittersweet catharsis. On one hand, she’s relieved to reveal this secret to a close friend. On the other hand, she’s still crushed that it took her so long to realize it. Lucy's heartbreak speaks volumes about the clear cliche that when you’re younger, you must have an idea on which sex you prefer or how you identify. Sexuality is a spectrum and life after coming out is still a journey. With Jane’s help, Lucy can now attempt to put herself out there. But life has other complications as anyone over 30 knows too well.

Johnson and Mizuno’s chemistry only makes us want the best for them as they come together and fall apart. Dakota Johnson, who had a strong Sundance with this film and the Audience Award winner Cha Cha Real Smooth continues to be a magnetic screen presence as she brings Lucy’s insecurities to life. After playing a string of memorable small roles in movies like Ex Machina and Crazy Rich Asians,  it's refreshing to see Sonoya Mizuno, get an expansive part to dive into. She’s exquisite in her co-lead role and people should only be inclined to give her more. 

Johnson and Mizuno are the strong center of this revitalizing spin on the coming-of-age storyline. When it comes to its depiction of long friendships, Am I Ok? is not breaking any new ground but it's a relaxed dramedy about the uneasiness of entering and living through your 30’s. When you reach that milesstone, you’ll probably ask the movie’s title. In the end, you’ll be ok indeed.  B+

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