Thescreescore – The highly anticipated film, Normal, from the visionary mind behind the John Wick saga, Derek Kolstad, is poised for its digital debut next month, promising an unconventional "anti-action" experience. This gritty crime thriller, starring the acclaimed Bob Odenkirk, will become available on digital video-on-demand platforms starting Tuesday, May 19, at 12 a.m. EDT (or Monday, May 18, at 9 p.m. PDT for West Coast viewers). Film enthusiasts eager to dive into this unique cinematic offering can already pre-order the title on Prime Video for $24.99, available in both standard and high definition. While a Blu-ray release is slated for July 14, details regarding a dedicated streaming service debut are yet to be announced.
Helmed by Ben Wheatley, known for his work on Meg 2: The Trench and episodes of Doctor Who, Normal unfolds from a script penned by Kolstad himself, the celebrated screenwriter behind John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2, and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Kolstad’s influence extends beyond the Wick universe, having also served as an executive producer for Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the John Wick prequel series, The Continental.
Bob Odenkirk, a veteran of critically acclaimed series like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, takes on the lead role of Ulysses, an interim sheriff. His character arrives in the seemingly tranquil Midwestern town of Normal, Minnesota, expecting a quiet assignment. However, this illusion shatters with a shocking bank robbery, pulling Ulysses into a labyrinth of local conspiracies, deep-seated crimes, and even unsettling ties to the notorious Yakuza gang.
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Director Ben Wheatley shed light on the film’s distinctive approach in a recent interview with Liam Crowley of thescreescore.com, describing Normal as an "anti-action" thriller. Wheatley explained that the narrative eschews traditional high-octane combat, instead featuring characters meeting their demise through a series of bizarre accidents and Final Destination-esque catastrophes, all set against a relentlessly hostile environment that ensnares Ulysses.
Normal premiered to significant buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival in Fall 2025 before its theatrical release on April 17, less than two weeks ago. The film garnered largely positive reviews from critics, securing a "Certified Fresh" rating of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. During its opening weekend, it landed at No. 7 at the box office, ultimately accumulating a respectable $4.5 million.
Odenkirk leads an impressive ensemble cast that includes television icon Henry Winkler from Happy Days and Game of Thrones star Lena Headey. They are joined by talents such as Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, Jess McLeod, Reena Jolly, and Ryan Allen. Odenkirk also took on executive producer duties alongside Kolstad and Mark Provissiero, further cementing his creative involvement.
This collaboration marks another chapter in the successful partnership between Odenkirk and Kolstad. The screenwriter previously crafted the scripts for Nobody and its sequel, Nobody 2, both starring Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, a retired assassin forced back into a life of violence when targeted by a mafia boss. The sequel saw Mansell attempting a peaceful vacation only to be thrust into even more perilous circumstances, showcasing Odenkirk’s capacity for nuanced action and dramatic intensity.
Beyond his celebrated roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, which earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, Odenkirk’s diverse filmography includes notable appearances in Nebraska, The Post, Incredibles 2, Fargo, and Lucky Hank.
Normal, a 90-minute thriller, is directed by Ben Wheatley, written by Derek Kolstad and Bob Odenkirk, and produced by Odenkirk and Kolstad, with WME Independent handling the studio release. Prepare for a cinematic experience that redefines the thriller genre when it arrives on digital platforms on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
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