I have seen the film I'M Okay 3 times. Each time I get deeper meaning and understand of the story Curt is telling. It is a very powerful story with a message of Triumph and Hope. It is a story about an often misunderstood aspect of mental health. It is a story that spans all ages, all cultures, all genders. It needs to be retold and retold.
The scenes of "Dean" the character in the film walking—where is he going, what is his purpose, who can or is willing to help him? Alone in his apartment with his fear, anger, frustration, isolation. Who will call or knock on his door? How many times does this scenario have to be told, before it is too late.
I commend Curt Jaimungal for the courage in making this film. What makes it so real is that it is set in a real setting—downtown Toronto—with real people. None of the cinema hype.
Hopefully this film will open the door for those who find it difficult and shameful to reach out for help.
The Q and A following the film with active members of the mental health community may just open the door for one person. That is worthwhile, as they will pass on the message.
So the next time you meet the cleaner in the subway, a grocery store clerk, etc, smile and tell them they are doing a great job. That may just what they need to hear that day to let them know they are worthwhile and their day and their job are worthwhile. Statistics have shown that just one word, one smile, can change a person and hopefully get them to the point where they can say with true meaning "I'M OKAY".
I liked that the characters, locations and series of events in the film were very "down to earth" --not far-fetched and made up to suit a certain expectation. The people, time and place were real and relevant to life today. The topic of depression can be such a downer and I like the way the film captured the hope as well as the despair. I liked the title as it was simple and conveyed the deep down feeling that "I'm Okay" as a human being but my mental health/ depression are not okay. It is a film I could watch several times hoping each time to capture more of the deeper meaning of depression in our society today. That surprised me that I want to watch it again and again.
Congratulations Curt.
Mary Jane