Hey, friends! How’s it going? Let’s chat about that drama I Am Not Okay With This, which became such a fan favorite on Netflix, only to be cut short way too soon.
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Kicking off on Netflix on February 26, 2020, this coming-of-age black comedy was brought to life by Jonathan Entwistle and Christy Hall, based on Charles Forsman’s 2017 graphic novel. Starring Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, Sofia Bryant, and Kathleen Rose Perkins, the show mixes the ups and downs of teen drama with some seriously cool supernatural twists. With just 7 episodes averaging about 25-30 minutes, it’s a binge-watching dream. Originally, there were supposed to be 8 episodes, but Netflix pulled the plug on this gem in August 2020, thanks to COVID-19 and budget issues.
So, what’s it about? The story follows Sydney Novak, a girl in her teens dealing with a whole heap of emotions and, oh yeah, some psychokinetic powers that pop up with her strong feelings. As she tries to learn how to manage these powers, she also has to navigate the tangled web of teen relationships. The real kicker? The show cleverly uses these supernatural bits as a metaphor for all the crazy emotions that come with being a teenager.
Sydney’s Rollercoaster of Discovery
Can we talk about how incredible Sophia Lillis is as Sydney? She brings this character alive, showing the struggles of a 17-year-old dealing with anger issues, family drama, and figuring out her sexual identity while her telekinetic powers go haywire during emotional moments. Sydney is that typical high school girl, juggling friends, crushes, and the super weirdness of growing up, all while these powers start to bubble over.
Lillis, who we all fell in love with as Beverly in Stephen King’s “It,” nails Sydney’s character arc, capturing the wild intensity of teen emotions that are magnified by her supernatural gifts. This journey of self-acknowledgment is made raw with her unrequited love for her best friend Dina, making the coming-of-age story feel so relatable and real.
Dina: The Heart of Teenage Bonds
Sofia Bryant totally brings it as Dina, Sydney’s bestie and secret crush. Their friendship is the emotional backbone of the series. Sydney is trying to figure out high school awkwardness, family issues, and her feelings for Dina, all while her superpowers are on the brink of going crazy. Dina embodies what Sydney longs for – she’s everything Sydney feels she can’t be: popular, confident, and living her truth.
The chemistry between Bryant and Lillis gives us some of the show’s most touching moments, showcasing those messy dynamics of friendship, especially when feelings run deeper. Their bond is a driving force behind Sydney’s emotional chaos, shaping her struggles and her powers, making Dina her anchor but also her biggest source of inner conflict.
When Teen Drama Meets Supernatural Chaos
The tension builds up to some seriously explosive moments where Sydney’s emotional struggles spiral out of control and lead to chaotic scenes. The most impactful episodes show how everyday teenage experiences – think dances, family fights, or heartbreak – turn hazardous when mixed with telekinesis. It’s a brilliant way to showcase how overwhelming those teenage feelings can be, making the supernatural serve as a reflection of Sydney’s inner turmoil.
The season’s finale leaves us hanging with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that hints at big things for Sydney’s powers. But alas, we never got a resolution because, yikes, the show got canceled, leaving fans with unresolved mysteries that are just plain cruel!
A Look at the Supporting Cast and Small Town Vibes
Wyatt Oleff, who we loved from the “It” films, plays the quirky Stanley Barber, Sydney’s neighbor and potential love interest, providing much of the comic relief and genuine support. And let’s not forget Kathleen Rose Perkins as Maggie, Sydney’s mom, who’s a single parent dealing with her own struggles while trying to connect with her daughter.
Together, the supporting cast helps create this nostalgic yet suffocating small-town atmosphere, perfectly capturing the world where teenage feelings intensify and escape seems close to impossible. The show does an excellent job of depicting how familial trauma and social pressures complicate the already tough teenage years.
The Netflix Hit That Didn’t Last
Let’s face it, I Am Not Okay With This was a painfully underrated show that deserved much more love, especially thanks to Sophia Lillis’ killer performance. This series takes the powered-teen trope and flips it on its head with a queer lead and a stunning portrayal by Lillis. It flaunts a solid 7.5/10 IMDb rating and was lauded by critics for its authentic take on those teenage challenges.
Even with rave reviews and a dedicated fanbase, Netflix decided to cancel it in August 2020, pointing to COVID-19 hurdles and budget problems. Can you believe that? Fans were heartbroken and outraged, considering it one of the biggest letdowns in Netflix’s history.
A Hidden Treasure Cut Way Too Early
If you’re into authentic stories about growing up that mix in some supernatural flair, I Am Not Okay With This is totally worth your time on Netflix. Although it ended abruptly, the show dives deep into themes of anger, identity, and the power of self-acceptance that resonate with anyone who’s ever felt out of place.
Why This Show Still Packs a Punch
I Am Not Okay With This hits the mark by treating teenage emotions with the seriousness they deserve while using supernatural elements to externalize that chaotic rollercoaster of adolescence. Even though it was cut short, this well-crafted show gives viewers a chance to see their own teen struggles mirrored through Sydney’s explosive journey.
Show Details
Number of Episodes: 7 episodes (only 1 season, was meant to have 8)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2020
Current IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Coming-of-Age, Black Comedy, Supernatural Drama
Status: Canceled after 1 season
Protagonists: Sophia Lillis (Sydney Novak), Sofia Bryant (Dina)
Supporting Cast: Wyatt Oleff (Stanley Barber), Kathleen Rose Perkins (Maggie Novak)