Why We’re Excited for Netflix's I Am Not Okay With This

If you're a fan of Netflix's The End of the F***ing World, you'll want to check out the streamer's next expedition into the coming-of-age genre. Directed, co-created and co-written by the visionary director behind the first five episodes ofThe End of the F**&ing World, I Am Not Okay With This pairs promising source material with a talented young cast and crew that have us more than a little excited for its debut this Wednesday. Here are just a few of the reasons we'll be tuning in:

Coming of Age... With A Twist

Based on Charles Forsman‘s 2017 graphic novel of the same name, I Am Not Okay With This follows Sydney (Sophia Lillis), a jaded teen trying to make sense of the ever-changing dynamics of her high school, her family, and her friends. Sydney’s troubles don’t stop there though, as she also finds herself trying to understand and control an emerging superpower she previously did not have.

That's right: like a few other notable YA series in recent memory, I Am Not Okay With This combines a tried-and-true coming-of-age narrative with superhero/sci-fi elements, as Sydney does her best to not let her powers grow out of her control. Think of it as a John Hughes film crossed with Stephen King’s Carrie.

A Role Worthy of Its Lead

The show's lead character is about as complicated as they come. On top of the usual angst that comes with being a teen, Sydney also grappling with the recent death of her father, and an increasing sense of confusion and panic as her superpowers begin to take form. For the right actor, a part like this can be transformative, and for eighteen year-old actress Sophia Lillis, it may just be. Lillis (pictured above) debuted on the scene in stellar fashion with her memorable turn as Beverly Marsh in 2017’s IT, and frankly hasn't had much of an opportunity to show off her talents since then (save for briefly reprising her star-making role in last year’s IT: Chapter 2). I Am Not Okay With This could finally give Lillis the role she deserves.

A Strong Supporting Cast

In addition to Lillis, I Am Not Okay With This boasts a number of other promising young actors in its ensemble. One of Lillis’ IT costars, Wyatt Oleff, leads the show’s supporting cast as Stanley Barber, Sydney’s awkward but friendly neighbor. Meanwhile, newcomer Sofia Bryant plays Dina, Sydney’s oldest and best friend, whom Sydney fears may be drifting away from her.

Richard Ellis (Should I Do It?) rounds out the show’s high school cast as Brad, Dina’s jock boyfriend. Kathleen Rose Perkins (Episodes) also stars as Maggie, Sydney’s mom, and Aidan Wojtak-Hissong (Falling Water) plays Liam, Sydney’s younger brother.

A Proven Director

Jonathan Entwistle established himself as a unique and exciting new artistic voice when the first season of The End of the F***ing World premiered on Netflix back in 2018. As the director of that show's first five episodes, Entwistle gave The End of the F***ing World a fresh look and feel that set the stage for one of the year's most compelling new series.

I Am Not Okay With This marks Entwistle’s return to the director’s chair, following his work on that first season of The End of the F***ing World. His artistic, quirky visual style seems perfectly suited to the show's genre-bending premise, and the show’s promotional materials have already revealed some promising visual similarities between the two series.

A Promising Writing Duo

Entwistle is also credited as the show’s co-creator, co-executive producer and co-writer, alongside Christy Hall, who was named one of Variety's 10 Screenwriters to Watch in 2018. I Am Not Okay With This is the first work of Hall’s to make its way to the screen.

The first season of I Am Not Okay With This premieres on Netflix Wednesday, February 26th.

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Alex Welch has written about television and film for TV by the Numbers, IGN, The Berrics, Paste Magazine, Screen Rant and GeekNation. Follow him on Twitter @alexrwelch.