Norman (2010)
A raw, intimate coming-of-age drama about a teenager whose desperate lie becomes his only way to survive grief.
Norman - Movie Information
- Original Title: Norman
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: Jonathan Segal
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 2010 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: North by Northwest Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Norman - Plot
A teenager pretends to be dying from cancer as a way to cope with the realities of his daily existence and his father's terminal illness.
Norman - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this quietly powerful drama:
The only thing he cares about is not caring.
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Norman - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jonathan Segal
Main Cast
- Dan Byrd
- Emily VanCamp
- Richard Jenkins
- Adam Goldberg
- Billy Lush
- Sewell Whitney
- John Aylward
- Camille Mana
- Jesse Head
- Jeff Rosick
Writers
- Talton Wingate
Producers
- Rich Cowan
- Dan Keston
- Hawk Koch
- Jonathan Segal
Norman - FAQs
What is Norman (2010) about?
Norman follows a troubled teenager who fabricates a cancer diagnosis to escape the harsh realities of his life, including his father's terminal illness. The film explores themes of grief, identity, and the desperate need for connection, as Norman's lie spirals into something he can no longer control.
Why does Norman pretend to have cancer?
Norman invents his cancer diagnosis as a coping mechanism — a way to gain sympathy, attention, and a sense of control while his father is dying. The lie becomes a shield against his fear and isolation, though it ultimately draws him into deeper emotional and social complications.
Who plays Norman in the 2010 film?
Dan Byrd plays Norman Long, the troubled teenager at the heart of the story. He's joined by Emily VanCamp as Emily Parrish, Richard Jenkins as his terminally ill father Doug Long, and Adam Goldberg as Mr. Angelo. It's a strong ensemble anchored by Byrd's nuanced performance.
Does Norman have a redemptive or hopeful ending?
Without giving too much away, Norman's ending leans toward emotional honesty rather than easy resolution. As his fabricated illness unravels and his father's condition worsens, Norman is forced to confront the truth about himself and those around him — making for a quietly affecting, bittersweet conclusion.
Who directed Norman (2010)?
Norman was directed by Jonathan Segal, working from a screenplay by Talton Wingate. It's a quietly crafted indie drama that leans heavily on character and performance rather than spectacle, giving the film an intimate, grounded feel throughout.
What is the age rating for Norman?
Norman is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's mature thematic content, including terminal illness, deception, and the emotional weight of adolescent grief. It's best suited for older teens and adults who appreciate character-driven dramatic storytelling.
How long is Norman (2010)?
Norman runs for 97 minutes — just over an hour and a half. It's a lean, focused runtime that suits the film's intimate dramatic tone, keeping the story tight and emotionally concentrated without overstaying its welcome.
What are some movies similar to Norman?
If Norman resonated with you, you might enjoy Murina (2022), All Together Now (2020), Notes for My Son (2020), or Peaceful (2021). These films share similar themes of family, loss, and resilience. Drawing Closer (2024) and The First Day of My Life (2023) are also worth exploring.
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