Is Normal Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2023, Normal represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into 14-year-old Lucie is a resourceful teenager who takes care of her loving yet unreliable father, William, who has multiple sclerosis. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "14-year-old Lucie is a resourceful teenager who takes care of her loving yet unreliable father, William, who has multiple sclerosis. Whilst William hangs out in his wardrobe and devises pranks and jokes to make his daughter smile, Lucie tries her best at school while juggling a job in a sandwich shop and all the chores at home. Her vividly imaginative mind and the novel she is writing are her only distractions. But when a social worker is appointed to visit them, Lucie and William elaborate a complex plan to make social services believe they live a perfectly normal life."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Justine Lacroix ensure that the emotional beats of Normal always land with sufficient weight. Justine Lacroix provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Olivier Babinet is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 87 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Normal truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Normal explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Olivier Babinet respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Normal serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Justine Lacroix or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Normal is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.