I’m Totally Fine is made up of a cast of hilarious comedians, which makes the emotional punch it packs a lot more unexpected.
I’m Totally Fine is a surprisingly emotional movie that will certainly have quite a few viewers in tears by the end. Stacked with a hilarious cast, it has its comedic moments too, but the majority of this film is heartwarming and fun.
This movie follows Vanessa (Jillian Bell) after the death of her best friend and business partner Jennifer (Natalie Morales), as she goes on a solo trip to clear her head. It doesn’t go at all according to plan when an extraterrestrial beams down in the form of Jennifer. In exchange for studying her, Vanessa is rewarded with 48 hours with her (almost) best friend. This is a journey of grief, as she must come to terms with the fact that Jennifer is never coming back.
What Works With I’m Totally Fine
I’m Totally Fine might look like a comedy on the outside, and because of the cast, but it is so much more than that. Sure there are some great and humorous moments, but it isn’t the silly humor that you might expect when looking at Jillian Bell’s other projects like Idiot Sitter and Workaholics (both of which are fantastic, for the record). The comedic relief is there to break up the emotional and heartbreaking moments, and that works really well.
This movie is more of a drama and a story about coping with loss and grief. It teaches the lesson of taking time for yourself and to mourn your losses, instead of just barreling forward, ignoring it, and letting it fester. Vanessa goes through a lot in I’m Totally Fine because she is not fine at all. Bell does an incredible job and it is easy to relate to her, and to root for her.
One of the best things about this movie is the supporting cast. While Bell is fantastic, the DJ played by Harvey Guillén and the stranger played by Kyle Newacheck add a lot to the story. They bring in a change of pace and some truly funny moments, but they also help Vanessa with her journey to acceptance in their own way.
The friendship between Vanessa and Jennifer is wholesome. They have been friends since elementary school and so over the course of the one hour and twenty minutes we learn a lot about their time together. Everyone watching is sure to have a friendship like this that they can fondly look back on. Heck, I’m Totally Fine might convince them to call that person they haven’t connected with in a while to check in and make sure everything is ok.
It should also be mentioned that the runtime for this movie is perfect. It just just under 90 minutes long which is enough time to get invested in the characters, but not too long that the film starts to drag.
What Doesn’t Work With I’m Totally Fine
The biggest issue with this movie is Natalie Morales. While she is a wonderful actress there is something off about this performance. Sure, she is supposed to be playing an alien who has just taken the appearance and memories of Jennifer, but for those who have seen Resident Alien it almost feels as if Morales is trying too hard to channel Alan Tudyk. Her delivery is flat for the most part and just a tad too far on the bizarre side.
Still, it is the relationship that develops between these two that makes I’m Totally Fine something truly special that will tug at the heart strings.
Overall Thoughts
I’m Totally Fine is a movie that is sure to make some viewers want to call up their loved ones just in case they lose them unexpectedly. A story of strength, grief, and coming to terms with loss, but with some truly hilarious moments weaved in.
The stellar cast shines, for the most part, but Natalie Morales doesn’t seem to ever quite find her footing with her character. Still the overall message is an important one, and one that will surely hit home for a lot of people watching.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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About I’m Totally Fine
Vanessa (Jillian Bell) embarks on a solo trip to clear her head after the death of her best friend Jennifer (Natalie Morales). But her self-care vacation plans change when she finds the recently departed Jennifer standing in her kitchen, claiming to be an extraterrestrial. Together they spend the next 48 hours partying and reminiscing on better days in this comedy that’s out of this world.
I’m Totally Fine will be in Theaters, On Demand and Digital on November 4, 2022.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.