Not Okay (2022)

Not Okay is special because it dares to be a bright, buzzy satire about the ugliest parts of online life, then quietly slips into something more cutting and human without losing its comedic bite. Zoey Deutch is terrific as Danni—funny, frantic, and painfully recognizable—while Quinn Shephard’s direction keeps the movie moving like a scrolling feed: addictive, glossy, and increasingly nauseating in the best way. The humor lands because the script understands the currency of attention, the performance of empathy, and how quickly a “relatable” persona can become a weapon, all while letting Mia Isaac bring real gravity to the story’s emotional center. It’s not for everyone—its R-rated edge and deliberately uncomfortable choices can sting—but if you want a smart, modern comedy-drama that actually has teeth, this one is worth your time.

Not Okay is clearly trying to be a savage, timely satire about clout-chasing and the way social media turns real trauma into a brand, and Zoey Deutch commits hard enough to make the main character’s awfulness watchable. The problem is it often feels like it’s repeating points you’ve already heard online, and the movie’s tone can wobble between sharp comedy and heavy drama without the finesse to make both land cleanly. It also flirts with big issues (trauma, activism, race, accountability) but sometimes backs away before saying anything especially bold, which can leave you feeling lectured and underfed at the same time. If you want a nuanced, deeply insightful take on these topics, this may frustrate you; if you’re up for a messy, uncomfortable character study with a few biting moments and a strong lead performance, it might still be worth your time.