Watch Norman

Norman is a coming-of-age story that focuses on the titular character, played by Dan Byrd. Norman is a high school student who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is intelligent and creative, but he lacks confidence and often feels overshadowed by his more popular peers. The movie takes place over the course of one summer, which Norman spends working at his father's jewelry store. During this time, Norman develops a crush on Emily, played by Emily VanCamp, a customer who comes into the store. Emily is older than Norman, and she is dealing with her own issues. She is estranged from her father, played by Richard Jenkins, and is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life.

As Norman and Emily's relationship develops, they both start to face their own fears and insecurities. Norman begins to come out of his shell and start expressing himself creatively, while Emily starts to confront the issues in her relationship with her father. Along the way, they both learn important lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself.

One of the strengths of Norman is the authenticity of its characters. Byrd, VanCamp, and Jenkins all give nuanced and believable performances, bringing depth and complexity to their characters. Norman is not your typical awkward teenager, and Emily is not your typical romantic interest. They both have flaws and insecurities, but they are also smart, funny, and fiercely independent.

The movie also has a strong sense of place. It takes place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, and the setting is beautifully shot and captures the natural beauty of the region. The town itself is a character in the movie, with its own distinct personality and quirks. The jewelry store, where much of the action takes place, is a symbol of the town's history and traditions.

While Norman is primarily a character-driven story, it also touches on some larger themes. One of these themes is the importance of family. Norman's relationship with his father is complex, and it evolves over the course of the movie. At the beginning of the summer, Norman is resentful of his father and feels trapped in his shadow. But as the summer progresses, he begins to understand his father's perspective and appreciate the sacrifices he has made for the family.

Another theme of the movie is the nature of creativity. Norman is an artist, and he is constantly drawing and doodling, even when he is supposed to be working. At one point, he has an argument with his father about the value of art, and whether it is a waste of time or a necessary form of expression. This debate is never fully resolved, but it raises interesting questions about the role of art in society.

Overall, Norman is a charming and heartfelt movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. It is a small-scale story that feels personal and intimate, but it also has universal themes that will resonate with a wide audience. Whether you are a high school student or a middle-aged adult, there is something in Norman that will speak to you.

Norman is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 60.