North of Normal

A good yet uncomfortable story, with a slightly lacking ending An interesting movie, Good acting, strong performance. Somewhat disturbing story. About a daughter being raised in an off the beat situation, by her single parent mom, who was also raised with unusual parenting, so she carries it forward, with everything that goes with that. The Ending was a let down, as this movie is based on a true story, the movie closes on the girl taking a flight... The true story, her becoming a fairly successful model despite her upbringing, I dont know why they would not have included the smallest piece of that, to give the story a stronger ending... I the ending did not do the film justice. If you watch it, do your own research to find some happy closure.

North of Normal was wonderful. Kept me engaged through the entire movie. The actresses that played childhood Cea was amazingly talented as was the actress who played teenage Cea and her mother Michele. After reading North of Normal and the sequel Nearly Normal it was great to see her life story on the big screen. The actors were perfect for their parts and really drew me in. The scenery was absolutely stunning. The relationship between Cea and her mother was, needless to say, complicated but through it all I could really see how much Cea's mother loved her. Cea is to be admired by her resilience and determination.

North of Normal is such a moving and inspirational story. Not only did this movie provide such a stunning backdrop that transports you to the sublime Canadian wilderness, but the phenominal acting to tell this amazing story was oitstanding. I loved the complexity of the relationships; loving and warm, yet heartbreaking and unconventional. Cea's bravery and strength are unwavering throughout her story and it's a journey like no other. Such and incredible acting performance by River Price-Maenpaa who portrated young Cea. Amanda Fix who played Cea as she grew up and Cea's mother played by the outrageously talented Sarah Gadon, communicated the complex and tender but highly complicated relationship masterfully. This movie left me wanting more so I picked up the book again.

From off the grid hippie wild child to runway model, Cea Person has lived a life. Many lives in fact. "North of Normal" tells tale number one: Cea's early years in the wilderness with her teenage mom, and commune honcho grandpa (aptly named Papa Dick). It's a fascinating tale, which focuses more on the family dynamic than the circumstance of their off-beat existence, all from Cea's point of view. Also, it's a pretty damn good-looking film. Director Carly Stone, in only her second feature, is one to watch for. River Price-Maenpaa as the spright eight year old Cea, and Amanda Fix as the mature but barely teen version are quite good, bridging the gap between precocious forest beast to blossoming woman, discovering her true self with the help and hinderance of a disappearing mother, an oddball grandfather, and a revolving door of sketchy boyfriends. "North of Normal" delivers a nice, bouncy balance of idealistic innocence and reality slaps of a nomadic yet intimate lifestyle, without preaching in any one direction, whilst capturing a full senses vibe of the seventies (carefree soundtrack, muted colour schemes, authority rebellion, VW buses). Sure the push and pull of a flighty mother and a longing daughter caught in unstructured circumstances is engrossing, but every back to nature adventure begs a good backstory. The reason and execution for anti-establishment living is too juicy to not explore, or one would think. Nevertheless, there's enough here for a solid recommendation, and perhaps a prequel down the road will complete the circle. hipCRANK.

After reading both Cea Sunrise Person's memoirs (North of Normal and Nearly Normal) published by Harper Collins, I was excited to see the film adaptation. The movie focussed on the unconventional childhood of a young girl (played exceptionally by two actresses) raised by a family who lived on the fringes of society and often in the wilderness or squats. With a particular emphasis on the relationship between Cea and her mother Michelle, one can't help but feel the heartbreak of witnessing the role reversal of mother and daughter. Cea's real life resiliance was played beautifully by Amanda Fix. All the performances in the movie were outstanding and especially that of Robert Carlyle who played Cea's idealistic yet selfish grandfather Papa Dick.

I read both of Cea's books and I was so excited when I heard the movie was coming out. After reading the books and loving them, I was so pleased at how well done the movie was. It showed the relationships so beautifully - especially between Cea and her mother. The cinematography was breathtaking, and the movie really captured the feel of the outdoors and the striking beauty of the wilderness she grew up in. The acting was top notch as well, and the casting was spot on. I laughed and I cried throughout, it really pulled at my heartstrings. Well done! I highly recommend this film and I will want to see this gem again.

I have waited in anticipation for this movie to come to life on the big screen. This movie was able to capture the story of Cea's life beautifully! The characters of the book came to life, just as I imagined when I was reading it. The actors played their parts so naturally, I almost forgot they were actors! You fall in love with the 2 Cea's immediately. The free spirit of her Mother was played out brilliantly and the grit of her Grandfather was played by the amazing Robert Carlyle. The movie also brought to life the good and the bad, the sadness and the beauty of Cea and her mom's relationship. The cinematography was excellent! The scenes of where she grew up in Northern BC were shown beautifully. I really hope there will be a sequel!! There is so much more to tell about her story.

Cea's books have captivated me for years and this long awaited movie did not disappoint! With the setting in this remarkable landscape and so well cast its hard to not be wowed. From the start the young Cea steals your heart and you fall in love with her dis functional mother character played so well. Her grandfather is played by the wonderful Robert Carlyle and you can see where her brave spirit is installed. My only criticism is it ends so suddenly and there is so much more to tell. We need a sequel and at a minimum watchers need to read on this lady is just an inspiration. Bravo!!!! Nikki.

Wildly beautiful, the cast, the scenery and the storytelling. Mother and daughter love, never black and white, endlessly unyielding. The characters came to life in the most authentic way, subtle body language saying nothing and everything all at the same time. Thoughtfully, this film was not overloaded with dialog, giving the viewer space and time to feel the emotion, very relatable. It is always exciting to see a film that is unique and captivating at the same time, a precious gift to the audience. I loved the movie being a selective reflection of the book, and having read both books, this movie left me eager for more!

'North of Normal' is such an appropriate title for this film. The perception of what we feel is 'normal' can be a reflective thought after watching this movie. It was a treat to have a peek into this unique upbringing. I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability of the characters It makes me want to know more of this captivating story. There are so many mother daughter stories out there - this one, despite the tenacity of the relationships, showed love and compassion and at a deep level. How each character showed their love was interesting to observe and easy to relate to. I recommend seeing North of Normal.