#SUNDANCE: “AM I OK?”

By Amanda Gilmore

AM I OK? is a touching Comedy and an ode to female friendship.

The Film follows inseparable Los Angeles best friends Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno). When Jane’s new promotion requires her to move to London, Lucy confesses her long-held secret: She likes women. In the lead up to their impending separation, we follow as Jane prepares for her big move and Lucy searches for her first sexual experience with a woman.

What sets AM I OK? apart is that it depicts the coming-of-age of two women in their 30s. Co-Directors Stephanie Allynne and Tig Notaro along with Screenwriter Lauren Pomerantz have created a brilliant Comedy that flawlessly captures friendship, love and self-discovery.

It’s refreshing to see a coming-out story for a 30-something. Lucy’s journey is endearing and Johnson knocks it out of the park. She approaches Lucy with a delicate fragility that guides her along in her sexual awakening. She shares a genuine chemistry in scenes with Kiersey Clemons, who plays her romantic interest and co-worker. Clemons gives a strong performance as the indecisive Brittany. And Mizuno gives a superb performance as the compassionate and headstrong Jane, who appears to have it all together, but is harbouring her anxieties within after she is given a opportunity to go overseas on a promotion.

The Screenplay gives us these two separate stories, while keeping Lucy and Jane‘s friendship at the forefront. This works because Johnson and Mizuno have such a palpable chemistry that feels entirely organic. Additionally, the Supporting Cast bring impactful comedic performances. Molly Gordon plays the outgoing Kat, a co-worker of Jane’s, who just irritates Lucy. And Notaro does double duty with a hilarious cameo.

AM I OK? screens virtually at Sundance:
Premiere: Jan. 24 at 4PM EST

Second Screening: Jan. 26 at 10AM EST (available for 24hrs)