StoryScanner
Start free

Normal

Here's what we found in Normal. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.

Screen for YOUR family
General Review

Parent's Guide to Normal

Normal (2026) is an upcoming R-rated action crime thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Derek Kolstad. Scheduled for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026, the film follows Ulysses, a temporary sheriff in the seemingly quiet town of Normal, Minnesota. After a bank robbery, Ulysses uncovers a deep-seated criminal conspiracy involving many of the town's residents. The movie is described as a kinetic neo-Western that blends character drama with explosive intensity, catering to fans of action films like 'Nobody' and 'John Wick'. Due to its R rating for strong bloody violence and language, it is intended for mature audiences, with content that may be too intense for younger viewers.

Things to Consider

High3

Violence

The movie is officially rated R for 'strong bloody violence,' indicating frequent and graphic depictions of physical harm and gore. Reviews and plot details confirm intense action sequences and explicit violent acts, central to the film's crime thriller genre.

The MPAA rating explicitly cites 'strong bloody violence' as a descriptor for its R rating. One preview mentions that the teaser trailer depicts Sheriff Ulysses 'decapitating a man with a katana'. Another review notes the film is 'packed with carnage' and 'incredibly violent,' featuring a 'restaurant filled with loaded rifles' that are likely used in extensive firefights.

Profanity

The film receives an R rating partly due to 'language,' indicating the frequent use of strong profanity. Trailer dialogues suggest that explicit curse words are present and used in intense or aggressive contexts, consistent with a hard-hitting action thriller.

Scary & Intense Content

The film is expected to feature high levels of scary and intense content, consistent with its action crime thriller genre and R rating. The plot involves uncovering a dark criminal conspiracy in a small town, promising constant tension and explosive confrontations.

Would these 3 concerns matter to your family?

Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.

Medium2
Disrespect & RebellionAnti-Christian Themes
Low4
LGBTQ & Gender IdentityRomance and Sexual ContentWitchcraft & OccultSubstance Use

Additional Context

Best For Ages

R (Restricted) for strong bloody violence and language. Recommended for ages 17+ due to pervasive violent content, explicit depictions of gore, and frequent strong profanity. The thematic elements of crime, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity are also better suited for mature viewers capable of processing intense and adult themes.

Good to Know

As 'Normal (2026)' is slated for release on April 17, 2026, some of the detailed scene-specific examples are based on pre-release reviews, trailers, and official MPAA descriptors. More granular details regarding intensity and specific contextual scenes will become available post-release.

How does this review compare?

This review
  • 9 standard concerns
  • General sensitivity level
  • One-size-fits-all perspective
Your report
  • Concerns you choose
  • Sensitivity levels you set
  • Tailored to your family

What are you watching next?

Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.

Personalized to your valuesDetailed findingsAny title, instantly
Start with 10 free scans

No credit card required — join hundreds of families