TIFF Film Review: "Normal" Is A Bloody Good Time

Something strange is happening in Normal.

The latest TIFF offering from director Ben Wheatley, after his People's Choice Award-winning film Free Fire in 2016. We're introduced to Ulysses, played by Bob Odenkirk. The temporary sheriff in the small town of Normal, Minnesota. Ulysses spends his days patrolling the town for the most minor of disturbances. Keeping the peace in a town where seemingly nothing happens. (Nothing, other than the mysterious moose that keeps showing up.)

Off the top, the film opens up with a Yakuza meeting. Three low-lever criminals in a test of loyalty kick off film with a bloody punch, with chopped off fingers leading to chopped off heads. After this note, the film takes it easy for the first act, introducing us to the tiny Fargo-esque town and its few inhabitants. After a sleepy start, where we learn the gist of Ulysses' traditional tragic backstory alongside the names and faces of the carnage to come. The film, without warning, ramps the violence, gore, and mayhem up to eleven. And manages to keep that momentum for the whole rest of the runtime.

The fight scenes, of which there are many, are dynamic and exciting. Partially owed to screenwriter Derek Kolstad of John Wick and Nobody, who also shares the credit with Odenkirk. The action is near-constant and never manages to drag itself down. Wheatley's direction keeps everything tight, yet visually thrilling. On Odenkirk's part, Normal is very funny. It feels very much like Hot Fuzz, and the whole cast nails their timing and deliveries, even in the midst of incredible carnage. As Odenkirk himself stated during the Q&A, "Fights are like sketch comedy."

The film continually ups its own stakes, leading the audience through a series of absurd twists and turns. Underscoring these events is the attempted addition of some drama to the mix. Exploring Ulysses' long teased-out backstory may explain his seeming indifference to the heaps of killing he does, but this scattered sincerity begins to feel more out of place as the film continues, making these developmental moments for the other characters fall flat.

At a festival long lauded as a precursor to the Oscars, Normal is a film that runs on pure fun. Complimented by a wonderfully energetic Midnight Madness crowd, and nearly as eccentric Bob Odenkirk hyping them up before the screening, the film doesn't want you to take it seriously. Instead, Normal is here for mayhem.