The makers of two hit Netflix shows combine their efforts to create an …interesting … short series.

By Sydni Wolpert, Staff Writer/Artist

As advertised, the supernatural mystery of Stranger Things successfully meets the artful editing and dark humor of The End of the F***ing World in this relatively new Netflix original series. Based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, this narrative follows the high school struggles of Sydney Novak, an awkward 17-year-old girl who is in a phase of self-discovery in her life. She deals with the teenage social scene while internally still digesting the smoothie of emotions that came with her father’s recent death. Speaking with no spoilers, viewers begin to see that Sydney is dealing with more than she could ever think. 

Although makers from both series collaborated on I Am Not Okay With This, it resembles The End of the F***ing World more than Stranger Things.  Fans will appreciate this show’s attempt to replicate the depressing mood, unfortunate plot lines and retro music selections of The End of the F***ing World, but can expect to miss the wholesome and childish humor of Stranger Things. I Am Not Okay With This is more adult in terms of humor and themes and is not for those who are squeamish around blood. 

While the writing was a little weird/lacking in some places, I was thoroughly entertained by I Am Not Okay With This. I loved the artsy approach of the show and loved the parallels to classic movies that kept appearing throughout the series. Scenes, color schemes and characters were made to subtly resemble The Breakfast Club and Carrie at times. This show just didn’t quite seem to pull together as smoothly as Stranger Things or The End of the F***ing World for me, but it is a great way to spend time if you’re looking for new series to watch during the nation-wide self-isolation due to COVID-19.