In the crowded landscape of teen sci-fi, Netflix's I Am Not Okay With This stands out as a raw, emotionally charged gem. Despite being canceled after just one season, this 2020 series remains one of the platform's most compelling offerings, thanks to a phenomenal lead performance and a brutally honest portrayal of adolescence.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Trope
The show follows Sydney Novak, a 17-year-old who discovers she has telekinetic powers—a premise that echoes Stephen King's Carrie. But I Am Not Okay With This quickly distinguishes itself by diving deep into Sydney's inner world. The opening flash-forward, showing her in a blood-stained prom dress, is a bold nod to the classic horror tale, yet the series uses this familiarity to subvert expectations. It's not just about superpowers; it's about the chaos of growing up, feeling invisible, and grappling with identity.
Sophia Lillis Delivers a Career-Defining Performance
Sophia Lillis, known for her role in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, is nothing short of spectacular as Sydney. She embodies the awkwardness and vulnerability of a teen who's both terrified and fascinated by her abilities. Lillis makes you root for Sydney as she navigates friendships, a potential romance with Stan (Wyatt Oleff), and her undeniable connection with best friend Dina (Sofia Bryant). The show boldly explores the tightrope of being a closeted teen, adding layers of authenticity rarely seen in the genre.
Emotional Depth Meets Sci-Fi Mystery
Set a year after the death of Sydney's father—who, it's revealed, had similar powers—the series weaves its sci-fi elements into a powerful metaphor for the confusion of adolescence. Sydney's grief and isolation are palpable, and the show doesn't shy away from the messy, uncomfortable feelings that come with being a teenager. It's this emotional resonance that elevates I Am Not Okay With This beyond typical genre fare.
The series also knows when to let the light in. Moments of joy with friends are sprinkled throughout, making the darker turns hit even harder. It captures the rollercoaster of teen life—the small victories that feel monumental amid the chaos. In this way, it often feels more akin to Freaks and Geeks than to other sci-fi shows, grounding its supernatural elements in relatable human experience.
A Canceled Gem Worth Binging
Though originally renewed for a second season, the show was canceled due to pandemic-related production challenges. But its seven-episode arc ends on a climactic note that works surprisingly well as a miniseries. For those who love a good Netflix binge, this is a perfect pick. And if you're looking for more sci-fi to stream, be sure to check out Tatiana Maslany's clone saga before it leaves the platform.
With its explicit queer themes and Lillis's standout performance, I Am Not Okay With This remains a must-watch. It's a shame we won't get more of Sydney's story, but what we have is a powerful, unforgettable slice of teen sci-fi.
