Normal (2023)
A tender and inventive French-Belgian drama-comedy about a teenage girl and her father outwitting social services to protect their unconventional but loving family.
Normal - Movie Information
- Original Title: Normale
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Olivier Babinet
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 5, 2023 (France - TP)
- Alternative Titles: Normal (SE)
- Production Companies: Haut et Court, Tarantula, France 2 Cinéma, RTBF, VOO, BeTV, Proximus, Canal+, Ciné+, France Télévisions, Wallimage, CNC
- Production Countries: Belgium, France
Normal - Plot
14-year-old Lucie is a resourceful teenager who takes care of her loving yet unreliable father, William, who has multiple sclerosis. Whilst William hangs out in his wardrobe and devises pranks and jokes to make his daughter smile, Lucie tries her best at school while juggling a job in a sandwich shop and all the chores at home. Her vividly imaginative mind and the novel she is writing are her only distractions. But when a social worker is appointed to visit them, Lucie and William elaborate a complex plan to make social services believe they live a perfectly normal life.
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Normal - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Olivier Babinet
Main Cast
- Justine Lacroix
- Benoît Poelvoorde
- Steve Tientcheu
- Pablo Pauly
- Sofian Khammes
- Joseph Rozé
- Geoffrey Carey
- Mayline Dubois
Writers
- Olivier Babinet
- Juliette Sales
- Fabien Suarez
Producers
- Valérie Bournonville
- Joseph Rouschop
- Caroline Benjo
- Barbara Letellier
- Carole Scotta
Normal - FAQs
What is Normal (2023) about?
Normal follows Lucie, a resourceful 14-year-old who manages the household while caring for her father William, who has multiple sclerosis. When a social worker is assigned to check on them, the two hatch a clever plan to make their unconventional life appear perfectly ordinary. It's a warm, funny, and deeply touching story.
Who plays Lucie and William in Normal?
Lucie is played by newcomer Justine Lacroix in a standout debut performance, while her father William is portrayed by beloved Belgian actor Benoît Poelvoorde, known for his ability to blend humor with genuine emotional depth. Their chemistry is one of the film's greatest strengths.
Is Normal based on a true story?
Normal is not based on a specific true story. Director Olivier Babinet and co-writers Juliette Sales and Fabien Suarez crafted an original screenplay. That said, the film draws on very real social realities — young carers, precarious family situations, and the resilience children show when circumstances demand it.
Who directed the film Normal (2023)?
Normal was directed by Olivier Babinet, a French filmmaker also known for Swagger (2016). Babinet brings a distinctive visual imagination to the project, blending the everyday struggles of his characters with bursts of whimsy and warmth that give the film its unique tone.
What genre is Normal and who is it for?
Normal is a drama-comedy — a film that balances genuine emotional weight with moments of real humor and lightness. It appeals to audiences who enjoy character-driven stories about family, resilience, and growing up. Fans of French and Belgian cinema will find it especially rewarding.
How long is the movie Normal (2023)?
Normal runs for 87 minutes, making it a lean, well-paced watch. Director Olivier Babinet keeps the story moving without ever rushing the emotional moments that give the film its heart. It's the kind of movie that feels complete without overstaying its welcome.
When was Normal released in France?
Normal was released in France on April 5, 2023. The film is a French-Belgian co-production, supported by broadcasters and funds including France 2 Cinéma, RTBF, Canal+, and Wallimage, reflecting the strong collaborative tradition between the two neighboring film industries.
What are some movies similar to Normal?
If Normal resonates with you, you might also enjoy In Good Hands (2022), Macadam Stories (2015), and Me Too (2009) — all films that explore family bonds and social realities with warmth and humanity. Madly in Life (2020) and Remember Me, My Love (2003) are also worth a look.
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