Not Okay Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chronically online girl fakes a trip to Paris, accidentally becomes famous for surviving a tragedy she wasn’t even there for, and then learns that lying on the internet has consequences…shocking!

🍿 Not Okay: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Danni’s Clout-Chasing Scheme

Danni Sanders, a young woman desperate for social media attention, hatches a plan to fake a trip to Paris. She hopes to impress her crush and gain followers by posting glamorous photos of her ‘adventures.’ This sets the stage for the central conflict, driven by Danni’s desire for validation and online fame. She wants to be seen as important, and she believes social media is the way to do it.

The Lie Escalates

When a tragic event occurs in Paris, Danni’s fabricated trip takes a dark turn. She unwittingly becomes entangled in a lie of immense proportions, falsely portraying herself as a survivor. This unexpected incident propels her into the spotlight, but also creates a dangerous web of deceit that she struggles to maintain. The attention feeds her ego, and she begins to see the advantages of her deception.

Friendship and Deception

As Danni’s online persona grows, she forms a bond with Rowan, a genuine trauma survivor and activist. This friendship is built on a foundation of lies, creating a moral dilemma for Danni. She enjoys the validation and connection but knows that her deception could shatter everything. The relationship with Rowan becomes increasingly important to Danni, and the possibility of losing that connection creates tension.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Danni Sanders (Zoey Deutch): An attention-seeking aspiring writer who fakes a trip to Paris and falsely claims to be a survivor of a tragedy to gain social media fame.
• Rowan (Mia Isaac): A trauma survivor dedicated to societal change who becomes friends with Danni, only to be betrayed by her lies.
• Colin (Dylan O’Brien): Danni’s crush and a heavily tattooed influencer who embodies toxic masculinity.
• Harper (Nadia Alexander): Danni’s coworker who ultimately exposes her lies.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rowan: “So maybe one day, I’ll forgive you. But we will never be okay.” – Rowan’s final words to Danni, encapsulating the lasting impact of Danni’s lies and the impossibility of truly repairing their friendship.
• Danni: “I just want people to like me.” – Danni’s core motivation, revealing her deep-seated insecurity and desire for validation.
• Harper: “I hate straight people.” – Said as Danni exits the room, highlighting the divisiveness and stereotypes portrayed in the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Not Okay Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I went into this expecting a light comedy, but it hit way harder than I thought. Zoey Deutch’s performance is incredible – you simultaneously hate and pity Danni. The scenes with Rowan were especially powerful, and I was genuinely moved. It made me think a lot about the impact of social media and the fine line between seeking attention and exploiting real pain. That ending, though… it’s gonna stick with me for a while. Definitely worth watching but be prepared for some uncomfortable truths.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in social media satire”
  • “Fans of Zoey Deutch and Dylan O’Brien”
  • “People interested in dark comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate films that explore complex moral issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Some sexual content”
  • “Themes of trauma and grief”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Shephard smartly skewers influencer culture while also acknowledging the very real pain and trauma that can be exploited for clicks. Zoey Deutch shines as the unlikeable protagonist, making her both pathetic and compelling. The film’s sharp wit and social commentary make it a must-see for anyone navigating the online world.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Not Okay’ is a messy but often insightful look at the perils of social media addiction. While the plot can be uneven, the performances, particularly from Deutch and Isaac, are strong. The film effectively captures the absurdity and the dark side of seeking validation online. It leaves you pondering about the blurred lines between authenticity and performance in the digital age.
• Variety: “Though it sometimes feels heavy-handed, ‘Not Okay’ successfully tackles complex themes of trauma, privilege, and online accountability. Deutch delivers a nuanced performance as the flawed Danni, and Mia Isaac provides a powerful counterpoint as a genuine survivor. The film’s social commentary is relevant and thought-provoking, even if the execution is not always perfect.

Audience Reactions

The movie is very woke.: Most agreed that the movie makes a statement about the desperate need for fame and the effect that fame can have on you.

Zoey Deutch is a good actress and I feel the movie is representing today’s society.: Many felt the movie was an accurate portrayal of today’s youth in today’s age.

Overall Consensus: ‘Not Okay’ is a thought-provoking satire about social media culture and its consequences, elevated by strong performances. However, some viewers may find the unlikeable protagonist and the lack of clear redemption unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Quinn Shepard added a disclaimer at the beginning of the film warning that it contains an “unlikable female protagonist” after test screenings revealed audience discomfort with a flawed female lead.”
• “The film satirizes influencer culture and the desire for online validation, using dark comedy to explore the consequences of inauthenticity.”
• “The film was released on Hulu and Searchlight Pictures.”

🖥️ How to Watch Not Okay?

Not Okay is available for streaming on Hulu. It is a Searchlight Pictures production, so it is also available on Disney+ internationally where Hulu is not available. Check your local Disney+ listings. As a streaming exclusive, it is not currently available for traditional purchase, but you can subscribe to Hulu to watch instantly.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Not Okay, you might like these similar films:

• Dear Evan Hansen (2021): Explores a similar theme of a character who gains popularity and attention through a fabricated story related to a tragedy.
• Ingrid Goes West (2017): Focuses on a young woman’s obsession with an Instagram influencer and the lengths she goes to in order to emulate her lifestyle.
• Eighth Grade (2018): Captures the anxieties and social awkwardness of adolescence in the age of social media, with a focus on authenticity and self-discovery.

🛒 Not Okay Related Products

• Not Okay Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official ‘Not Okay’ movie poster, perfect for fans to display their love for the film. Features the iconic image of Zoey Deutch and captures the movie’s aesthetic.
• ‘Not Okay’ Inspired Phone Case: A stylish phone case featuring iconic imagery and quotes from the movie. Made with durable materials to protect your phone while showcasing your fandom.
• Zoey Deutch Film Collection: A digital collection of Zoey Deutch’s most iconic films, including ‘Set It Up’, and more. Enjoy her performances in one convenient package.
• Pop Culture Discussion: Social Media Influencers: This thought-provoking book explores the rise of social media influencers and their impact on society. Featuring case studies and analysis, including a chapter dedicated to ‘Not Okay’ and its themes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Not Okay features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’m the Worst” – performed by oh Child! feat. Georgette

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dylan O’Brien on the set of ”‘Not Okay” (2021)

Ever wonder what it’s like on a movie set? Check out this hilarious, short clip of Dylan O’Brien goofing off in hair and makeup for ‘Not Okay’ – his wig is seriously something else!

✨ Rate