High school is hell for many teenagers. End of story. And there has been an influx of film and TV—especially recently—to illustrate this plight. At one end of the spectrum is a comedic shed of a maligned label in “The DUFF” and at the other end is a hard-hitting tragedy of bullying in “13 Reasons Why.” There is, however, one comforting thing that remains in these fictional worlds and—most importantly—in real life. You are not alone. So, where will the new series “I Am Not Okay with This” rate on such a scale?
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Executive producers Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen have previously worked on the Netflix peer “Stranger Things” and certainly know a thing or two when it comes to teenagers dealing with worldly and other-worldly obstacles. Fellow executive producer, director, and co-creator—along with Christy Hall—Jonathan Entwistle also has demonstrated a keen nose for teenage angst—with a dark slant—in his contributions to “The End of the F***ing World,” another Netflix hit.
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Lead actress Sophia Lillis (“It” & “Sharp Objects”) was the standout performer in the former’s younger version of the Losers Club and seems tailor-made to portray yet another conflicted character. Continuing the connection, Lillis’ “It” co-star Wyatt Oleff plays a character named—wait for it—Stanley. Coincidence? Other members of the cast include Sofia Bryant (“The Good Wife” & “The Code”), Kathleen Rose Perkins (“Episodes” & “Gone Girl”), and Aidan Wojtak-Hissong (“Falling Water”).
Here’s the synopsis:
I Am Not Okay With This is an irreverent origin story that follows a teenage girl who’s navigating the trials and tribulations of high school, all while dealing with the complexities of her family, her budding sexuality, and mysterious superpowers just beginning to awaken deep within her. From director/EP of The End of the F***ing World Jonathan Entwistle and the producers of Stranger Things comes a new series based on the Charles Forsman graphic novel.
“I Am Not Okay with This” will debut on Netflix on February 26. Check out the trailer below and stand with someone slogging through the swamp that is high school.