Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Not Okay is a sharp-edged satire that knows exactly what it's doing—skewering influencer culture and trauma tourism with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. The problem is that spending 100 minutes with a protagonist this awful is genuinely unpleasant, even when you know the movie is condemning her.

The film has merit as social commentary for adults and maybe very mature older teens who can handle R-rated content and dark themes. It raises real questions about authenticity, empathy, and what we're willing to do for online validation. But it's also exhausting, trigger-warning heavy, and features a gratuitous sex scene that feels tacked on to justify the rating.

For parents: this is absolutely not for kids or even most teens. If you have a 17-year-old who's media-savvy and interested in discussions about social media ethics, maybe. Otherwise, this is an adult watch that will likely leave you feeling gross about humanity. The 71% critic score reflects appreciation for the satire; the 6.1 IMDb rating reflects how uncomfortable the actual viewing experience is.

Bottom line: timely, uncomfortable, and definitely not family viewing.

Age Fit

This is firmly adult content (17+) due to the R-rating and deeply cynical subject matter. Even mature older teens should be screened for sensitivity to trauma exploitation and violence references. Not a family movie by any stretch.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

The film's protagonist is deliberately unlikeable—she fakes being a terrorist attack survivor for clout, manipulates real trauma victims, and prioritizes fame over human decency. While the satire ultimately condemns this behavior, the journey is emotionally toxic and models terrible decision-making for most of its runtime. The R-rating reflects pervasive strong language, drug use, and sexual content. Not a healthy emotional experience for younger viewers.

Imaginative

58

The premise is original—a dark satire skewering influencer culture and performative activism through the lens of a woman who fakes trauma for Instagram fame. It's a sharp, contemporary concept that feels ripped from 2022's zeitgeist. However, the execution is more commentary than creative world-building; it doesn't invite exploration or creative thinking, just uncomfortable recognition of social media's worst impulses.

Safe

25

R-rated for language throughout, drug use, and sexual content. The film centers on a fake terrorist attack, features a gratuitous sex scene, substance abuse, and references to gun violence and PTSD. Common Sense Media flags violence references, profanity, and mature themes. This is explicitly adult content with trigger warnings for trauma exploitation—completely unsafe for kids and likely distressing even for teens who've experienced real trauma or violence.

Enriching

62

There's genuine social commentary here about influencer culture, performative allyship, and the commodification of trauma in the social media age. The protagonist's downfall offers a cautionary tale about authenticity and consequences. For older teens and adults, it can spark meaningful conversations about online ethics and empathy. But the lessons are dark and cynical, delivered through cringe-inducing behavior that might be more exhausting than enlightening.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Sharp, timely satire of influencer culture and performative activism that feels ripped from 2022's worst Instagram moments
Actually condemns its protagonist's behavior rather than celebrating it—there are real consequences for exploitation
Could spark important conversations with older teens (17+) about online ethics, authenticity, and the commodification of trauma
Zoey Deutch commits fully to playing someone deeply unlikeable, which takes guts

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What to Watch For

R-rated throughout: constant strong language, drug use, a gratuitous sex scene, and sexual references
The entire premise centers on faking terrorism survival—potentially triggering for anyone affected by real violence or trauma
Protagonist is manipulative, selfish, and morally bankrupt for 90% of the film; watching her is meant to be uncomfortable
References to PTSD, gun violence, and exploitation of real victims; this is dark, cynical stuff
Not remotely appropriate for anyone under 17, and even then, know your teen

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think people fake experiences or trauma online for attention? What does that say about social media?"
"How would you feel if someone used your real pain to get followers?"
"The movie shows consequences for lying online—do you think that happens enough in real life?"
"What's the difference between raising awareness about an issue and performative activism?"

Stills