THE OKS ARE NOT OK

A Korean American influencer and her family experience a paradigm shift after they suffer economic upheaval.

Seventeen-year-old Elena Ok lives for publicity. Since her notorious Vogue interview, she’s built an online empire around her catchphrase, “What’s that?” But her life of indulgent pleasures and transactional friendships in Los Angeles is overturned when a scandal breaks. Elena’s father, the CEO of the family’s clothing brand, It’s Ok!, has ties to a financier who’s been indicted for fraud, and the Oks may have to file for bankruptcy. Elena, her parents, and older brother Gavin must relocate to the only property the IRS hasn’t seized: their house in Blaire, California, population 150. Thanks to its scientific telescope, the town is in a National Radio Quiet Zone; with no Wi-Fi or cell service, Elena’s career is on hold. Forced to confront themselves and who they are as a family, the Oks start questioning their choices. Elena and Gavin have balanced and nuanced emotional arcs—they put down roots, develop ties in their new community, and explore what it means to be authentic, both in their career aspirations (Gavin) and friendships (Elena). Dale, who came from a farming family in Korea and didn’t attend college, struggles with insecurity, while Gloria—dismissed even by her own daughter as “the epitome of a trophy wife”—craves recognition for her business savvy. This refreshing narrative unfolds naturally as it explores topics that will resonate with many teens.

A heartfelt, feel-good redemption story centering on a complicated family.