Even without watching a second of the film, the question is a hard one to answer. But after spending a few minutes with Dakota Johnson’s Lucy and Sonoya Mizuno’s Jane, it is clear that the answer is …no. Yes? Maybe. Truly, as an adult, it’s an ever-changing thing. And no, no one has all the answers.
Not even about who we are.
That’s what Lucy figures out just as her best friend Jane takes a job in London. And Am I OK? could be just a film about friendship. It could also just be an exploration of self, particularly within the context of female sexuality and what it means to finally feel ready to be you, wholly you – whatever that means. Instead, the movie manages to be all of that, while still being also messy and funny and altogether not a movie about people who have answers.
Because truly, who has anything figured out?
Directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne seem more interested in the exploration, in the moments in between the big decisions than they do in the things we have to figure out. That’s what makes Am I OK? such a powerful movie. There is no right or wrong ending, and though we are moving towards something, in the end, like in life, whatever happens will just happen. And we will adjust. Lucy and Jane will adjust. Together.
That isn’t to say that as a queer movie, there isn’t something particularly liberating about Am I OK? Perhaps, however, the thing that feels so great about the movie is that, for all of Lucy’s struggles with her sexuality at the beginning of the movie, she is met with love and acceptance by her best friend and the drama she goes through in the movie has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that she’s a lesbian.
Yes, this is a queer movie! Yes, this centers on two women! No, it’s not a rom-com! And no, the friendship in any way, shape, or form, and the drama has nothing to do with the queer character’s sexuality, not really. Who would have thought? Friends can just be dumb about stuff that has nothing to do with who either of them wants to kiss. Who knew?
Dakota Johnson is particularly delightful as a Lucy who is both incredibly awkward and borderline adorable at times, particularly when she has no idea what she’s feeling or doing. Few actresses can pull off crying in a toilet without it coming off like a joke, but still very much making sure the performance is rooted in the absurd the way Johnson can, and if anyone ever thought of her like an actress with no range, please exit stage left.
Mizuno compliments her perfectly, and their easy camaraderie sells the movie in a way that feels effortless. But Am I OK? in general feels like a breath of fresh air, the kind of movie that isn’t necessarily groundbreaking but also isn’t common enough that we can’t celebrate it for what it’s doing to just make us feel comfortable and seen and understood and alive, even if it’s just asking the titular question and answering no, yes, maybe or perhaps tomorrow. Who knows?
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Am I OK? Share with us in the comments below!
Am I OK? is available to stream on Max.
