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Normal

Name: Normal
Director: Olivier Babinet
Released: 2023
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2023

Director

Olivier Babinet

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Normale presents a critical look at traditional family structures by centering a young girl as the primary caregiver for her father. This challenges conventional views of childhood and parental roles. The film's portrayal of disability is particularly noteworthy, integrating Multiple Sclerosis into the family's everyday life without reducing it to a feel-good story. This approach highlights the complexities of chronic illness. While the film effectively addresses gender roles and disability, it lacks specific details about racial diversity and LGBTQ+ representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Normal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights unconventional family structures without focusing on specific LGBTQ+ identities. By challenging typical family dynamics, it fosters an inclusive environment.

How does Normal portray gender?

Good

Lucie takes on a leadership role in the household, serving as both the authority figure and emotional support. The father is portrayed with vulnerability and playfulness, shifting away from traditional masculine stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Normal?

Minimal

There is insufficient information regarding the racial composition of the cast or the ethnic dynamics of the setting.

How does Normal represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes bureaucratic institutions by depicting social services as invasive and adversarial. It emphasizes personal emotional truth over rigid, moralistic societal norms.

Does Normal include disability representation?

Excellent

Multiple Sclerosis is shown as a core part of the family's daily life rather than just a plot device. The film avoids inspirational stories by focusing on the challenges of living with chronic illness.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional family dynamics and gender roles.
Integrates disability into daily life without simplifying it.
Critiques bureaucratic institutions and rigid societal norms.

Limited or Absent

More information about racial and ethnic diversity would enhance the story.
Clearer representation of LGBTQ+ characters and arcs is needed.

Official Synopsis

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.

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