REVIEW: ‘Normal’ Delivers Inventive Kills and Strong Performances

It was hard to know what to expect from Normal. Co-written by Derek Kolstad (John Wick) and Bob Odenkirk, early impressions leaned towards their previous collaboration on the film, Nobody. That said, a larger focus on dark humor makes Normal feel more than just another “unassuming protagonist becomes incredibly violent” film. The reality is a little more nuanced. While Normal is similar to Kolstad’s past work, its charming cast and solid direction from Ben Wheatley do enough to make it worthwhile.

When interim sheriff Ulysses (Odenkirk) arrives in Normal, Minnesota, he’s greeted by an eccentric group. On the surface, they appear to be ordinary folks from a tight-knit town. Welcoming enough, while being somewhat wary of outsiders. Despite needing the role filled after the sudden death of their previous sheriff, some of Normal’s residents aren’t too keen on Ulysses’s presence.

This aversion to newcomers isn’t what makes them seem odd, though. Rather, it’s how manufactured some of their interactions feel. Neighbors airing their grievances about a given issue are notably cagey when Ulysses comes around. But not out of respect for his position, instead adhering to some unspoken rule.

Direction and framing ensure we know early that there’s more going on than meets the eye.

There are some real worthwhile conversations. Mayor Kibner’s (Henry Winkler) frustrations about being the only person in Normal who hasn’t seen a moose are believable. The local pub owner’s explanation about the guns adorning his establishment being unloaded is less so. Kolstad and Odenkirk’s well-written dialogue makes everyone seem nice but not exactly trustworthy.

When Deputy Blaine Anderson (Ryan Allen) asks Ulysses if he’s keeping the sheriff badge warm for him, the awkward pause that follows denotes a creepy undertone. This mildly discomforting aspect isn’t readily apparent. Wheatley’s clever use of foreshadowing, however, places a spotlight on the town’s secretive nature.

Lingering shots of people’s faces as smiles fade, subtle changes in lighting that color the tone of a conversation, and the emphasis on certain set pieces – like a police scanner in an old woman’s crafts store – all help create a sense of apprehension.

Normal embraces chaotic and expansive action. 

There’s something amiss about Normal and everyone, but Ulysses seems to be aware of it.
While Wheatley does a great job of establishing Normal’s uneasy vibe, his deliberate style and framework make the film feel predictable at times. It’s easy to spot some of the culprits before the big reveal.

The same goes for someone’s impending death, given their proximity to a random knitting needle, kitchen utensil, or environmental hazard. Normal still manages to entertain, though, thanks to its intense action scenes and dark humor. When the town’s mask finally slips, and Ulysses is forced to contend with his violent neighbors, all hell breaks loose in the best way possible.

Over-the-top shootouts result in a silly amount of collateral damage, and the well-choreographed hand-to-hand fights are hilariously chaotic. People are stabbed, shot, crushed by falling signs, you name it. With brutal, yet imaginative kills that amuse more than they disturb – there’s a comical “death by ricocheting bullet” scene that feels lifted right out of a Final Destination movie – Normal’s explosive action proves to be delightfully unhinged. And that’s before the town is besieged by the Yakuza.

The entire cast is great but Bob Odenkirk anchors the film. 

Of course, none of this works without Normal’s talented cast. Odenkirk is extremely likable as the empathetic sheriff. Eager to solve problems without arresting people, Ulysess maintains an easy-going vibe. Of course, this approach doesn’t always work in his favor, leading to some wild encounters, emphasized by Odenkirk’s exhausted demeanor and deadpan delivery. His ability to showcase his displeasure with shooting someone with a grenade launcher while simultaneously being relieved that they’re dead is impressive.

Ryan Allen and Billy MacLellan charm as deputies Blaine Anderson and Mike Nelson, respectively. The same goes for Winkler’s portrayal of Mayor Kibner, though he isn’t around long enough to be truly impactful. Lena Headey, who’s also underutilized, is convincing as the mysterious bartender Moira. Even actors playing one-note characters like a disgruntled Yakuza enforcer shine when given the chance.

Normal doesn’t reinvent the Kolstad/Odenkirk action wheel. Fans of films like Nobody will feel right at home. That said, Ben Wheatley’s solid directing, the emphasis placed on dark humor, and the outrageously messy gunfights are all enough to differentiate Normal from that series. Solid performances from the cast, anchored by another impressive showing from Odenkirk, also help in this regard. While the film shares a specific DNA, Normal still manages to be anything but.

Normal is out now in theaters.