← Back to Directory
Normal
Movie

Normal

2026Action, Crime, Thriller

Woke Score
3.6
out of 10

Plot

Normal is a neo-Western thriller that stars Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses, an unassuming substitute sheriff assigned to the quiet Midwestern town of Normal. Seeking a temporary escape from personal and professional turmoil, Ulysses instead finds himself drawn into a crisis when a botched bank robbery exposes a dangerous secret beneath the town's calm exterior. As tensions escalate (and boy, do they escalate), he is forced to confront his troubled past and the true nature of the community he has been tasked with protecting.

Weekly Alert

Get the Weekly Woke Watchlist

New and trending movies scored for woke bias, preachy messaging, and forced political themes — before you waste your evening.

No spam. One useful email per week.

Overall Series Review

Normal (2026) is a neo-Western action thriller starring Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses, a weary substitute sheriff who stumbles into a massive conspiracy in a seemingly quiet Minnesota town. Directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Derek Kolstad, the film delivers gritty shootouts and dark humor reminiscent of Nobody and Fargo. While functioning primarily as a B-movie action vehicle, the narrative subverts small-town tropes by portraying the heartland community as entirely corrupt and introducing contemporary identity subtexts through a non-binary supporting character. Odenkirk carries the film with an empathetic, resilient performance, delivering a violent lawman story with subtle modern flourishes.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics4/10

The plot includes a non-binary character whose identity subjects them to subtle prejudice from the local townspeople. While the movie refrains from heavy-handed lectures on privilege, it incorporates identity-based dynamics into the narrative by contrasting the compassionate lead hero against the intolerant town.

Oikophobia5/10

The film presents an idyllic Midwestern American small town as an evil facade concealing deep-seated corruption, greed, and collusion with foreign organized crime. It portrays traditional heartland culture as hollow and morally bankrupt beneath its wholesome surface.

Feminism3/10

The main male protagonist is depicted as an empathetic, battered lawman rather than an invincible alpha male. Female and non-binary supporting characters transition into gun-toting action heroes during the climax, though traditional gender roles are not explicitly attacked.

LGBTQ+4/10

The narrative weaves in a quiet non-binary subplot featuring the late sheriff's child, who receives empathetic support and validation from the protagonist. The portrayal avoids explicit sexual ideology while incorporating modern gender identity themes into the character arc.

Anti-Theism2/10

The story focuses on purely secular themes of crime, greed, and personal survival in a lawless environment. Religion and Christianity are absent rather than actively mocked or vilified.

Weekly Alert

Get the Weekly Woke Watchlist

New and trending movies scored for woke bias, preachy messaging, and forced political themes — before you waste your evening.

No spam. One useful email per week.