Quinn Shephard’s latest dark comedy, Not Okay, wraps up in a way that may leave viewers with lingering thoughts. Featuring Zoey Deutch, Mia Isaac, and Dylan O’Brien, the film premiered on Hulu on July 29 and received generally positive feedback from fans and critics.
Zoey Deutch’s portrayal of Danni Sanders earned particular praise for her compelling performance. The film follows the story of Danni Sanders, who rises to internet fame after lying about attending a writer’s retreat during a tragic terrorist attack in Paris.
Danni’s search for validation turns into a nightmare she can’t escape (Photo: Not Okay/Searchlight Pictures)While initially considering revealing the truth, she eventually chooses to embrace the fame she gains from her faceless online followers, portraying herself as a traumatized survivor in a bid to impress Colin, an influencer she admires.
Along the way, Danni befriends Rowan, a victim of actual trauma, and by the film’s conclusion, Danni must confront the consequences of her actions, becoming one of the most despised figures on the internet.
The Purpose of the Characters in Not Okay
The characters in Not Okay serve to critique internet fame culture and social media’s impact on society. Shephard wrote the dark comedy to look at the dangers of making trauma victims internet celebrities, offering a multi-faceted examination of the issue.
By the film’s end, one important storyline remains unresolved, leaving viewers to reflect on Danni’s motivations. Below is an explanation of the ending.
What Happens In the Ending of Not Okay?
Danni is forced to confess her lies after a coworker uncovers the truth. As a result, she loses her job, becomes an internet pariah, and faces severe backlash, including death threats. Her details are exposed, and she eventually deletes all her social media accounts.
At a low point, Danni attends a support group for people like her but realizes she has not learned from her mistakes. She plans to apologize to Rowan but refrains after hearing Rowan’s moving spoken word poetry.
Why Didn’t Danni Apologize to Rowan?
While Not Okay wasn’t among the most anticipated films of 2022, its ending offers a thought-provoking twist that sticks with viewers.
Rowan’s spoken word poetry stands out as one of the rawest and most powerful moments in the film, bringing an authenticity to the story that contrasts with the artificial world Danni created. Danni’s decision to not apologize to Rowan stems from her character development.
Rowan’s poetry teaches Danni that any apology she offers would be for her benefit, not Rowan’s healing. This understanding leads Danni to leave the auditorium instead of searching for Rowan to apologize.
What Did Colin’s Character Represent?
In addition to Rowan, Danni interacts with several other individuals who represent the emptiness of internet fame. Dylan O’Brien, known for Teen Wolf, plays Colin, an influencer Danni has a crush on throughout the film.
The two briefly connect, but it becomes clear that Colin is only interested in Danni because of her perceived trauma. He serves as a foil to Rowan: while Rowan is a tragedy survivor who finds herself thrust into fame, Colin has constructed a persona and brand to achieve internet popularity.
Through her interactions with both characters, Danni learns valuable lessons about responsibility, fame, and what it means to be a good person. Colin’s role is to highlight the shallowness of influencer culture and the fakeness that underlies much of internet fame.
What Did Danni Learn from Rowan?
Mia Isaac plays Rowan, a school shooting survivor who finds comfort and attention through writing spoken word poetry about her trauma. Rowan never sought fame but chose to use her platform to advocate for social reform and policy change.
A twisted rise to fame leads to an inevitable fall (Photo: Not Okay/Searchlight Pictures)Initially, Danni befriends Rowan for her fame, using her popularity to help her viral article about the Paris attack. However, Danni grows closer to Rowan as she sees her genuine kindness and strength. After a difficult encounter with Colin, Rowan teaches Danni that doing good is far more important than seeking popularity.
However, Danni’s realization fully sinks in only after witnessing Rowan’s powerful performance at the film’s climax.
The Real Meaning of Not Okay’s Ending
She is coming up as one of the standout films on Hulu is its ending. Throughout the movie, viewers may find Danni difficult to relate to, but by the film’s conclusion, it’s clear that she is evolving beyond her past mistakes.
Her participation in the support group signals an awareness of the consequences of her actions, even if she hasn’t fully learned from them yet. Danni’s decision to delete her social media and leave Rowan’s performance without offering an apology marks a pivotal moment in her personal growth.
She is breaking free from the need to seek validation from others and is learning to value herself. Not Okay stands out with its central concept, a cast of strong performances, and a message that resonates with the social media-driven culture of 2022.
With talented actors like Zoey Deutch and Dylan O’Brien, the film has garnered positive reviews. Although it begins with a warning that the main character may not be likable, it delivers a satisfying ending.
This suggests that Danni may eventually find herself in a place where she is likable—not because she seeks the approval of others, but because she is learning to be comfortable with herself. Not Okay is now streaming on Hulu.
