#ImNotOkay

Notokay de Juan Contreras

Not Okay is a movie released last year. Starring Zoey Dutch as Danni Sanders, Dylan O'brein as Colin and Mia Isaac as Rowan Aldren. The film takes us into the daily life of Danni, an older girl, a photography editor and aspiring writer, who is tired of being a nobody in her work world and in general. Danni meets Colin, a moderately well-known influencer whom Danni falls in love with. To impress him, Danni creates a lie related to a trip in Paris to which she makes people believe she is traveling but she did not go. Coincidentally, Paris suffers a terrorist attack and that makes people believe that Danni suffered that attack, so from that moment on Danni continues to make people believe that she was present at the attack with lies. 

Danni meets Rowan, a well-known activist who was present at school shootings. After meeting her, Danni creates a blog with the hashtag #ImNotOkay which is a hit and makes Danni famous among people, she attends events, parties and more. Nadia Alexander as Harper, a coworker of Danni's, realizes the lies through the photos Danni edited in Photoshop. Harper gives Danni an ultimatum and she decides to reveal the whole truth. Danni's world falls apart and creates hatred in people towards her, especially Rowan, who talks to Danni directly, crying and angry. Danni tries to apologize but realizes it will be of no use.

This movie unfolds an intriguing exploration of themes related to the influence of social media on the lives of young individuals, the construction of false realities to impress others, and the absence of authenticity in the era of hyperconnectivity. 

Firstly, it delves into the social pressure and lack of authenticity characterizing Danni Sanders' experience. This protagonist embodies the palpable pressure many young people currently face to achieve a perfect and successful life, according to the standards dictated by social media. The lack of friends, a love life, and followers drives her to weave a web of falsehoods with the aim of fitting into what she deems socially acceptable.

Following this, it delves into the issue of falsehood in social media, exemplified by the fictitious trip to Paris and the meticulous construction of an unreal life on Instagram. This phenomenon, common in the constant pursuit of validation and social recognition, often leads to unexpected consequences, revealing the fragility of virtual constructions.

The narrative gains complexity with the introduction of the impact of real-world events. The terrifying incident in Paris introduces a surprising element that highlights how the insatiable quest for attention through social media can become insensitive and misguided when the realities of the world are ignored.

The narrative delves into the problem of superficial activism and the search for validation. Danni's relationship with Rowan and her involvement in the fight for social change illustrate how individuals can leverage tragic events to gain followers and improve their online image. This behavior underscores the inherent superficiality of activism when it becomes a tool to gain attention rather than seeking genuine social change.

The plot takes a turn towards disillusionment and the consequences of falsehood. The abrupt fall of Danni's perfect facade underscores the inevitability of lies being eventually uncovered. This twist emphasizes the importance of authenticity and how the lack of sincerity can have negative consequences both in real life and online.

The criticism is amplified when addressing Internet culture and unrealistic expectations. The story serves as a biting critique of digital culture, where the obsessive pursuit of approval and the fear of failure can lead to the creation of fictitious lives. It also underscores how quickly the internet can turn against those who fail to meet expectations, highlighting the lack of compassion online.

In summary, the narrative provides a insightful reflection on the dangers of lacking authenticity on social media, the pressure to maintain a perfect image, and how the quest for online validation can have negative consequences in people's lives. Furthermore, it encourages readers to question the authenticity of what they see online and to consider the deeper implications behind the seemingly perfect lives presented on social media. This analysis reveals a nuanced plot that delves into the complexities of contemporary digital life.