I am bursting with praise for this movie that was rushed in post-production to get it to TIFF audiences on time. I've been trying to tweet, post, insta, or otherwise sing its praises, but it doesn't even appear to have a movie poster yet, let alone a Twitter account.
What is it about female directors that makes their movies so great? Surely, it is the restraint they demonstrate, the lack of clichés, and the ability to empathize with unsympathetic characters. Canadian director, Carly Stone does that with NORTH OF NORMAL, based on Cea Sunrise Person's book of the same name, a coming-of-age true story that is fascinating and charming on so many levels.
What makes North of Normal such a watchable film is that every aspect of the production is impeccable - stellar writing, skillful nuanced directing and beautiful cinematography, extraordinarily well cast, editing that aids the viewer's journey, and strong, moving performances by the entire cast. The word is definitely 'nuanced.'
I think an epilogue at the movie's end would be a great addition as the director seems to have assumed that Cea's story is well-known. Who knows? Maybe it will be there when you get to see it.
-- Pauline Cronin.