SXSW Review: I’m Fine (Thanks For Asking) Brings Real-Life Struggle & Heart

I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) is a uniquely told story about a widowed mother’s attempts to make things work despite life’s never-ending obstacles. Directed by Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina, from a screenplay by them and Roma King, the film manages to balance heartbreak and real-life struggles with a lot of heart. Kali pulls triple duty, portraying the leading character as well and, while the film tells a raw, intriguing story, it isn’t always smooth sailing.  

Following the sudden and recent death of her husband Sam, Danny (Kelley Kali) and her daughter Wes (Wesley Moss) are homeless, living in a tent on the side of the road in Los Angeles. Everyday, Danny drops off her daughter at a friend’s house so that she can attend school (online while at home, since the film is set and filmed during the pandemic). After which, Danny puts on her skates to get to her scheduled hair braiding appointments in a bid to make $200 more dollars to put a deposit down on a rental home. However, Danny faces an insurmountable uphill battle as her plans for the day begin falling apart, forcing her to figure out new ways to make money without having to sell her husband’s gold wedding band. 

Kali pulls off the myriad of emotions Danny experiences throughout her journey. She’s physically tired and mentally exhausted, trying to ensure that she maintains a positive front so her daughter doesn’t suspect anything, frustrated because she woke up feeling good about something she’s longed for that was unexpectedly taken from her, and worried for what the future will bring. However, as the film’s title suggests, Danny tells people she is just fine (a common response despite all evidence to the contrary). I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) is a study in the ways people hold onto and internalize all of the things that actually aren’t fine in their lives. 

Danny’s story is singular, with the film choosing to focus on this one day of struggle that may or may not end happily, and that’s what makes it so intimate. Setting up Danny as a skater trying to, well, skate by, is unique in concept, one that doesn’t take away from the overarching hardship and empathy that permeates the film. But, while I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) is a story centering a single mother’s struggles to rise up out of her deteriorating situation, it’s not poverty porn. The film is punctuated by lighthearted moments between Danny and the friends and acquaintances she crosses paths with along the way. Memorable characters with interesting personalities add an additional layer of realism to the story. Despite everything, Danny is hopeful for the future, one that is still going to be filled with win and lose situations regardless. 

The film chooses to focus on the here and now, opting to leave the past and future in the rearview mirror to compartmentalize Danny’s journey through a more detailed lens. For the most part, this works out. All that said, I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) can be just as rocky as Danny’s own journey. It’s stilted and the pacing often jarring. The film transitions from one scene or subplot to the next, but it it’s not always smooth. The camera lingers on Danny and in certain scenes for far too long, as though working to make the emotional impact even more effective. However, this will take viewers out of the film because of its dragging pace. While Kali does do a great job bringing Danny and her sympathetic plight to life, the acting at large isn’t always as effective as it should be, though this is largely due to the fragmented flow of the film. 

Ultimately, I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) is a genuinely intriguing exploration of a hard-working woman trying to make ends meet. Life doesn’t stop or offer breaks, even after losing a loved one, and the film understands how real the hustle truly is and doesn’t romanticize it. It’s rough out there and Danny’s story, unique as it is, offers a slice of life that is raw, personal, and generally engaging. There are a few kinks that could have been smoothed out to make the story’s flow a lot better, including a brief fight scene that is hard to watch because of the way it’s filmed. But, the film is strengthened by its pivotal leading character and the way her story is told. 

I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) had its world premiere on March 17, 2021 at the SXSW Film Festival. The film is 90 minutes long and is not yet rated.

About The Author

Mae Abdulbaki
(1087 Articles Published)

Mae Abdulbaki is a movie reviews editor with Screen Rant. She previously wrote about a variety of movies and TV shows for Inverse, CinemaBlend, Pajiba, and The Young Folks, where she wrote reviews, features, news pieces. Her other work can be found at The Mary Sue, Film School Rejects, UPROXX, Heroic Hollywood, Looper, The List, and Bam Smack Pow, among others. Mae has also appeared on television segments, podcasts, and panels to discuss all things entertainment.

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