Bob Odenkirk is proving he can be a real action star. His latest film, Normal, is a wild small-town crime thriller that takes things to the next level. After starring in Nobody and its sequel, he brings the same energy and charm to this new role.
Directed by Ben Wheatley, known for his work across genres, and written by Derek Kolstad—who created John Wick—this movie is not just about action; it’s packed with dry humor and unexpected twists. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the film quickly gained attention, signaling that it will likely find U.S. distribution soon.
In Normal, Odenkirk plays Sheriff Ulysses, a newcomer to the quiet town of Normal, Minnesota. Odenkirk’s character is trying to outrun some personal demons while aiming to keep the town just as he found it. However, that plan unravels when he starts noticing strange happenings, from the excessive firearms in local shops to the mysterious death of the previous sheriff.
One shocking incident has Ulysses caught in a bank heist, where he learns that not everyone in town is on his side, not even his deputies. He soon finds himself teaming up with the failed robbers, played by Rena Jolly and Brendan Fletcher. When they discover a stash of gold bars tied to the Yakuza, the story catapults into gritty, over-the-top violence that echoes the style of Quentin Tarantino.
One standout feature of the film is how Odenkirk handles both intense action and its more humorous moments. He’s joined by a colorful cast that adds depth to the storyline. The film was shot in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which beautifully contrasts its snowy settings with the film’s splashes of violence, captured expertly by cinematographer Armando Salas, known for his work on Ozark.
Interestingly, while Wheatley’s previous film, Meg 2: The Trench, didn’t receive much acclaim, it sparks curiosity about how a crossover between the Megalodon and Ulysses might look.
Odenkirk’s journey from beloved comedic roles to a serious action star highlights a shift in audience expectations for actors, emphasizing that versatility in Hollywood is becoming more prized. The film embodies a growing trend where action and humor blend seamlessly, providing entertainment while also engaging its audience in new and exciting ways. As viewers, we can look forward to more films that challenge traditional genre boundaries, creating fresh narratives that keep us on the edge of our seats.
For more insights into the evolving landscape of action films, you can check resources like the American Film Institute or Variety.
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Ben Wheatley,Bob Odenkirk,Henry Winkler,Lena Headey,TIFF,TIFF 2025,Toronto 2025,Toronto Film Festival,Toronto International Film Festival
