'Am I OK?' Review: Dakota Johnson starrer is a heartwarming ode to late-bloomers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community can be viewed as a rebirth, but realizing your true self in the later years of your life can also pose a challenge, as demonstrated in Max's most recent comedy-drama film, 'Am I OK?', which stars Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno in key roles.
Directed by Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, the plot of the movie follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a 32-year-old woman, as she deals with the life-altering realisation that she is a lesbian.
Such a realization can rock your world, but Lucy has a supportive friend, Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), who encourages her to embrace her new identity.
As the story progresses, we learn about Lucy's journey of self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of sexuality and new relationships in her 30s.
'Am I OK?' effortlessly combines heartfelt moments with genuine emotions
The central theme of a heartfelt yet straightforward coming-out story with a twist deftly blends sincere sentiment with poignant moments.
Unlike most coming-out stories, Lucy's realization occurs later in life and this presents a challenge for the director duo because it can be difficult to convey how a woman who has spent the thirty years of her life believing she is straight suddenly confronts the challenge of her new identity.
This is where their direction shines. From a directing perspective, Notaro and Allynne give the narrative a feeling of authenticity and rawness. The way situations are set up and filmed gives off a realistic vibe that draws the viewer into the lives and experiences of the characters.
However, the film's narrative journey is both propelled forward and hindered by Lauren Pomerantz's writing. The writing triumphs as she addresses a sensitive topic of the exploration of identity and the difficulties of coming out later in life, but this theme is sometimes not fully realized.
Pomerantz's screenplay has moments of true emotional resonance and authenticity when it works best but even with its positive aspects, the movie's writing occasionally veers into cliches and becomes formulaic, which lessens the storytelling's impact and originality.
Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno add depth and authenticity to 'Am I OK?'
The performance of Dakota Johnson, who deftly captures the struggles of a thirty-something woman coming to terms with her newfound identity, is what elevates the film.
As she gracefully and vulnerablely navigates the complexities of self-discovery, Johnson's portrayal of Lucy is a revelation. She effectively conveys a spectrum of emotions, from bewilderment and self-doubt to bravery and acceptance, as Lucy struggles with her newfound identity as a lesbian.
Sonoya Mizuno excels as Jane, Lucy's lifelong friend, who acts as a catalyst for change and a source of support. Mizuno embodies Jane's unwavering loyalty and fierce determination to help Lucy navigate her new reality, lending warmth and empathy to her portrayal.
Their on-screen chemistry is evident and gives the movie's main friendship a genuine and nuanced foundation.
In the end, the movie features a compelling and poignant lead role portrayed by Johnson and successfully depicts the complexity of a coming-out experience later in life.
Despite the script's occasional attempts to create conflict and reliance on cliches, the depiction of an intense and encouraging friendship elevates the movie even more.
'Am I Ok' trailer