Bob Odenkirk has officially perfected the art of the “unexpected badass,” and his latest outing, Normal, is the punchy, stylish, and slightly chaotic genre-bender we didn’t know we needed this spring. Forget everything you know about the epic hero Ulysses; this version is a middle-aged man navigating the messy aftermath of a separation who finds himself in the literal middle of nowhere. He’s the interim sheriff in Normal, Minnesota, a town that shockingly is anything but.
Directed by the visionary Ben Wheatley, Normal is a masterclass in the “genre cocktail.” It’s that rare, brilliant mix of a quirky character study, a wickedly dark comedy, and a high-octane action flick. It doesn’t just dip its toes into these pools; it dives in headfirst with a free-wheeling sense of humor and a surprising amount of gore that somehow feels both shocking and perfectly placed. It’s a 90-minute romp that respects your time and your intelligence while keeping you thoroughly entertained.
The Lawman and the Locals
Ulysses isn’t your typical cinematic sheriff. He’s an easygoing guy who has made a career out of filling temporary vacancies across the country, purposely avoiding drama and never staying long enough to make enemies. His plan for Normal is simple: keep the peace for eight weeks until a special election can find a permanent replacement for the late sheriff.
Of course, the universe has other plans. Upon arrival, he’s greeted by a supporting cast that is practically dripping with personality. His two chief deputies are a study in contrasts: Mike (Billy MacLellan) provides a constant stream of unintentional goofiness, while Blaine (Ryan Allen) is so overly ambitious it’s almost endearing. Together, they serve as Ulysses’ chaotic tour guides through the social landscape of this snowy outpost.
But the real magic lies in the broader “colorful collage” of characters Wheatley has assembled. We get the legendary Henry Winkler as the smarmy Mayor Kibner, who is every bit as funny as you’d hope. Then there’s Lena Headey as Moira, a razor-tongued barmaid who I personally wanted to spend much more time with. Rounding out the group is Alex (Jess McLeod), the rebellious daughter of the former sheriff, who adds a much-needed layer of edge to the town’s dynamic. Wheatley clearly has a blast with this ensemble, letting them play in the snow until things take an especially bonkers and bloody turn.
Small Town, Big Secrets
Visually, the town of Normal captures that specific brand of American melancholy—snow-covered streets, vacant storefronts, and the quiet weight of a dwindling population. It has that cosy-yet-eerie small-town personality that feels lived-in and authentic. But as the story unfolds, we realise that the “boring” exterior is just a facade.
The catalyst for the chaos is a seemingly harmless, down-on-their-luck couple who decide to rob the local bank. It sounds like a cliché, but in the hands of screenwriter Derek Kolstad, it’s the spark that sets off a massive powder keg. Suddenly, we’re dealing with a vault full of loot, the actual Yakuza, and an interim sheriff who is forced to reach back into a skill set he was clearly trying to leave behind.
The Kolstad & Odenkirk Magic
If the name Derek Kolstad sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the architect behind the John Wick universe and Odenkirk’s previous hit, Nobody. In Normal, he manages to bottle that lightning once again. He takes the stylish, rhythmic ultra-violence we loved in Wick and marries it with the subversive, “everyman” charm of Nobody.
The film could have easily flown off the rails, but its saving grace is a sharp, hilarious self-awareness. It knows exactly what kind of movie it is. Ben Wheatley lean into this, serving up a punchy buffet of B-movie thrills that feel elevated by high-end production values. And then there’s Bob Odenkirk. He is the absolute centrepiece here, balancing a deadpan delivery with a go-for-broke physicality that is just so satisfying to watch. There’s a certain grace to how he navigates a fight scene, proving yet again that he is one of our most versatile leading men.
Final Thoughts
Normal is a movie built on surprises. Whether it’s a wacky plot twist or a sudden, brutal burst of action, the film consistently hits you with swings you won’t see coming. It’s an unabashedly excessive genre feast that doesn’t apologise for its absurdity. Instead, it invites you to lean in and enjoy the ride.
If you’re looking for a film that balances heart, humour, and a whole lot of “holy crap” moments, this is your next must-watch. It’s loud, it’s bloody, and it’s a genuine blast.
Release Date: Normal is in the theatres starting on April 16th.
Go see Bob Odenkirk take on a small town with big problems.
