I Am Not Okay With This is Netflix’s latest coming-of-age offering, though it may have more in common with Carrie than with Breakfast Club. When Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis) realizes she has telekinetic powers, it’s definitely more than she bargained for.
But how do her friends and social circle handle it, when the teenager is already something of an outcast. Sofia Bryant and Richard Ellis play her best friend and best friend’s boyfriend respectively, and they sat down to chat with Screen Rant about the role they play in Sydney’s life.
This show is fantastic. It’s layered with so many different things. If you like superheroes, this is something for you; if you like horror, this is something for you; if you like teen drama, there’s something for you - there’s something for everybody in this show. Tell the people who your are characters and how they connect to Sydney.
I saw a lot of influences from Stranger Things and Chronicle. How would you describe the show for the audience?
Sofia Bryant: Well, Dina is Sydney’s best friend. She is a super confident, super effervescent, bubbly, dance-in-the-rain, cool girl. But with a lot of room to grow; a lot.
Richard Ellis: And I play Dina’s boyfriend, Brad. Brad Lewis. In relation to Sydney, I am basically the roadblock between her and Dina, and for her attention. But Brad is very narcissistic and entitled. Just a tool; that’s the only way to describe it.
There’s a ton of mystery in this show, and you’re right about the superpowers. You don’t necessarily need it, because the characters are so rich and so great. But she does happen to have this form of telekinesis. Can you talk to me about how that can be used for good or bad?
Richard Ellis: Well, I look at it as this kind of offbeat coming-of-age story, and what’s so nice about it compared to Stranger Things is it’s not about the powers. Sydney does not want the power; she doesn’t want to grow into it. she really just wants them to go away.
Sofia Bryant: Yeah, it’s about the people first, and really their trials and tribulations growing up. And, yes, it’s also told through teenagers - but it could be anyone’s story because of the things that we speak on in the show, like exploring your sexuality. That could be anyone; anyone can really be dealing with that at any age.
A question specifically for you, [Richard]. In your opinion, what should be the ramification for what Sydney does to Brad?
Sofia Bryant: Well, we see them jump out when she’s really having like -
Richard Ellis: Heightened emotion.
Sofia Bryant: Yeah, heightened emotions. So, they are kind of a metaphor for her growing up, too. But it really depends on what lens you’re looking through.
Richard Ellis: Exactly. And I think there’s something to be said about - like you said, since it happens during all these heightened times - it’s learning at that age, how to control your emotions and how to try to rationalize them. And I think a lot of her issues would be solved if she would have just been willing to talk to someone.
Sofia Bryant: Or if someone had listened to her.
Richard Ellis: More so that, if someone had listened.
Sofia Bryant: Yeah, because you can even see she goes to Dina, and Dina’s kind of like, “Oh my god, I totally get it.” And that’s not to say Dina doesn’t have issues too. But everybody’s dealing with things, but not always at the same time.
Richard Ellis: It takes courage to listen.
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Richard Ellis: I don’t think there should be any ramifications externally. I think the ramifications are going to be entirely on her. And what I mean by that is coping with your actions and what happens as a result of your actions is such a huge thing to wrap your head around.
I think for her what’s going to be so crucial is - it’s hard not to feel guilty about things. But it’s how do you come to terms with things and move on and try to have a fulfilling life after the fact?
