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Early Reviews Weigh In on Bob Odenkirk’s Small‑Town Action Thriller ‘Normal

Critics highlight Odenkirk’s convincing action turn with caveats about familiar genre beats.

Overview

  • Critics published first looks ahead of the Magnolia Pictures theatrical rollout, noting the film’s R rating and 90‑minute runtime.
  • Bob Odenkirk plays an interim sheriff who discovers a corrupt small town hiding criminal ties, setting off brutal confrontations without tipping specific twists.
  • Ben Wheatley directs from a script by Derek Kolstad, the creator of John Wick and writer of the Nobody films that helped pivot Odenkirk into action roles.
  • Reviews point to a lean, hyperviolent style with comparisons to Nobody, First Blood, and Wheatley’s own Free Fire, stressing quick pacing over novelty.
  • The Associated Press called it a gory good time and gave two and a half stars out of four, while other outlets praise Odenkirk and note predictable turns; the cast includes Henry Winkler and Lena Headey, and production took place in Winnipeg.