Normal

Story: Ulysses (Bob Odenkirk) comes to Normal, Minnesota, to serve as interim sheriff after the town’s former sheriff dies. A botched bank robbery reveals that the humble town is anything but, as a dangerous crime operation comes to the fore and the entire town turns bloodthirsty for the new sheriff.

Review: A laidback cop seems like the perfect fit for a sleepy town, where emergency calls include an elderly lady complaining about receiving mauve knitting yarn instead of pink, and a man squabbling with a store owner for refusing to sell goods at a 30 per cent discount like online stores. Mayor Kibner (Henry Winkler) praises Ulysses for having a ‘light’ touch and offers him the permanent position. But a few days into the job, when Deputy Blaine (Ryan Allen) and Deputy Mike (Billy MacLellan) open fire at him during a bank robbery, a sinister criminal operation involving the Yakuza (Japanese mafia) is revealed. Ulysses is then forced to face an entire town out for his blood, with the robbers, Lori (Reena Jolly) and Keith (Brendan Fletcher), as his aides.

Directed by Ben Wheatley and co-written by Odenkirk, the film is gory, twisted, and goofy all at once. The wintry, snowy setting enhances its darkly comic timbre. The townsfolk are quirky and courteous like residents of any small place, so their turn into a more sinister populace makes for a curious watch. The film works as a good old crime caper and revels in the violence. However, the plot remains rather thin. Everyone dreads the Oyabun (boss) and the syndicate, but they are not nearly as menacing as they are made out to be.

While the first half keeps you hooked, the second half loses steam despite all the action and some fun plot twists. The character development and arcs feel lacking, and the backstories undercooked.

Bob Odenkirk is perfectly cast as a laidback man who wants to avoid confrontation but can show his menacing side when needed, much like his Hutch Mansell in Nobody. Lena Headey, as the sassy bartender Moira, feels underutilised. Henry Winkler, Reena Jolly, Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, and Jess McLeod all deliver solid performances as friendly-turned-evil locals.

Despite its patchy writing, the film is a twisted crime caper that makes for a decently entertaining watch.