Part of what makes it easy to digest is Kelley Kali’s heartbreaking performance. She is believable as the harried, at-the-end-of-her-rope Danny but layers that with a subtle optimism and love for her daughter, making her quite relatable. Speaking of Wes, Wesley Moss is just as good, though she has far less screen time. Their chemistry is incredible and sells the story and emotional beats perfectly. Ira Scipio plays a minor character named Bobby, and he is flirty and fun and dramatic, making the absolute most of his brief appearances.
But not all the acting works. BK Marie is so boisterous that she feels like she’s from a different movie altogether, and a cameo from Deon Cole is just odd. Not that he isn’t funny, but it is three-minutes of cringe that never hits its intended targets.
“…anchored by two outstanding performances from Kelley Kali and Wesley Moss.”
Despite the heavy subject matter, the directing, rightfully so, keeps things relatively light. A scene where Danny delivers food to Jacob (Andrew Galvan), her late husband’s best friend, does an excellent job of turning something hopeful into a more sinister scenario without breaking the carefully maintained tone. There is something engaging about watching Danny skate around, as she’s skating by the bare necessities in life, as she internalizes perceived inadequacies, scared of what others would think. Focusing on her journey, and solely on that, amplifies all those emotions.
While not without its issues, I’m Fine (Thanks For Asking) is anchored by two outstanding performances from Kelley Kali and Wesley Moss. The screenplay and direction allow for the raw emotions to feel authentic, and its message of what is okay to give up in the face of unimaginable grief and hardship resonates strongly.
I’m Fine (Thanks For Asking) screened at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival and the 2021 SFFILM Film Festival.
"…the dialogue often feels improvised."
