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Action thriller

Normal (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Normal (2026) movie poster

Normal is a 2026 action thriller directed by Ben Wheatley, starring Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses Richardson, Billy MacLellan and Ryan Allen. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $6.1 million worldwide on a $17 million budget. Critics gave it 63 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$6.1M
Echo Score
72
Metascore
63
budget
$17M
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Normal (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Ben Wheatley
Genres
Action , Crime , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$17M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Normal About?

The premise of Normal without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Sheriff Ulysses (Bob Odenkirk) takes a temporary assignment in the sleepy Midwestern town of Normal, hoping the change will ease his marital problems and the guilt from recent duty‑related mistakes. A botched bank robbery shatters the town’s calm, unintentionally revealing a buried secret that forces Ulysses to confront his past while defending the community from the darkness it uncovers.

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Cast & crew

Normal Cast & Characters

Bob Odenkirk leads the cast as Ulysses Richardson, with Billy MacLellan as Deputy Mike Nelson and Ryan Allen as Deputy Blaine Anderson. Directed by Ben Wheatley; 20 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Normal Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Normal 63 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (58).

72 /100

Normal Echo Score Breakdown

Normal delivers a brisk, violence‑laden action romp that leans on dark humor and a competent lead performance. While the direction showcases confident set‑pieces and the pacing keeps momentum, the plot remains predictable and the thematic depth is limited. Critics note the film’s graphic carnage lands with a certain sincerity, though some find the excess forgettable. In sum, the movie offers solid entertainment for viewers seeking unapologetic B‑movie thrills, but it does not aspire to lasting impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of direction and visual execution, Wheatley assembles energetic shoot‑outs and chase sequences with clear competence. The cinematography captures the over‑the‑top violence in a stylized manner, and editing maintains a brisk rhythm that propels the narrative forward. Though the visual flair is not groundbreaking, the craft sustains the film’s fast‑paced tone, resulting in a solid but conventional artful presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When evaluating performances, Bob Odenkirk carries the film with a nuanced, humor‑tinged portrayal that balances violent antics with a relatable undercurrent. Supporting actors complement his energy, contributing moments of chemistry that elevate the chaotic premise. While the characters lack deep backstory, the ensemble succeeds in delivering entertaining interactions that align with the movie’s tongue‑in‑cheek tone. Overall, the acting provides the most engaging element of the production.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Regarding narrative structure, the plot follows a predictable heist‑meets‑mayhem formula that offers occasional inventive set‑pieces. Pacing remains brisk, with rapid shifts that prevent stagnation, yet the story suffers from limited originality and occasional tonal inconsistencies. The central twist adds a momentary shock, but its impact is muted by the overall cartoonish excess. Consequently, the screenplay provides adequate engagement for genre fans while falling short of deeper storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 62

    The sensory dimension relies heavily on graphic violence and a bombastic score that reinforce the film’s B‑movie aesthetic. Sound design punctuates shoot‑outs with crisp impacts, while visual effects emphasize over‑the‑top bloodshed. However, the soundtrack lacks distinct thematic motifs, and the color palette remains utilitarian rather than stylized. These elements succeed in delivering immediate visceral thrills but do not elevate the viewing experience beyond conventional genre standards.

  • Rewatch Factor 58

    Evaluating replay value, the film’s relentless action and dark humor provide sufficient amusement for a repeat viewing, especially among audiences who appreciate exaggerated violence. Nonetheless, the lack of narrative depth and memorable moments may lead viewers to quickly forget the experience after the initial watch. While its brisk pacing invites occasional revisits, the overall staying power remains modest, positioning Normal as a one‑time entertainment rather than a lasting favorite.

Plot

Normal Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Normal from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ulysses Richardson, Bob Odenkirk, arrives in Normal, Minnesota, during the harsh winter to step in as interim sheriff after the town’s previous lawman dies. He quickly builds bonds with his team, including Billy MacLellan as Deputy Mike Nelson and Ryan Allen as Deputy Blaine Anderson, and he earns the goodwill of local shopkeepers and residents. The mayor, Henry Winkler, offers to make the arrangement permanent, painting a hopeful picture for his future in the town.

Full summary

The whole story of Normal, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Normal Box Office & Budget

Normal grossed $6.1 million worldwide on a $17 million budget, 36% of what it cost. $5.1 million came from the US and Canada and $1 million (17%) from the rest of the world.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$6.1M

36% of its budget back

US & Canada
$5.1M
International
$1M
Budget
$17M
US & Canada 83% Rest of the world 17%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Normal?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
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  7. Question 7: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the lead character Ulysses Richardson in the film?

Seen Normal?

FAQ

Normal FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Normal, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Normal?

Normal runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Normal released?

Normal was released on April 17, 2026.

Who directed Normal?

Normal was directed by Ben Wheatley.

More films by Ben Wheatley

Who is in the cast of Normal?

Normal stars Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses Richardson, Billy MacLellan as Deputy Mike Nelson and Ryan Allen as Deputy Blaine Anderson, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Normal make at the box office?

Normal grossed $6.1 million worldwide ($5.1 million domestic, $1 million international) on a budget of $17 million.

How is Normal rated?

Normal has 63 on Metacritic.

Does Normal have a post-credit scene?

No. Normal has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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