Au nord de la norme

North of Normal was and has been my favourite book since I read it a few years back and it's my number one go to book to recommend to anyone looking for a book recommendation. When I heard that it was going to be made into a film, I was ecstatic, when I found out it was being filmed in my hometown, I was over the moon with excitement. The movie followed the book well, the book I was able to paint the pictures of what was happening in my head, the movie brought those photos to life. It showed the struggles and the triumphs, the good and the bad, and I hope that it gets released to the general theatres for more people to be able to enjoy this beautiful movie. It will now be my go to book and movie. Hopefully they'll be able to make Nearly Normal the sequel one day too on film.

This movie was so heartfelt, cinematically beautiful and engaging. I laughed, I cried and I totally connected with the protagonist. I love the way delved into the characters and showed every aspect of their world. As a lover of nature, the scenic shots of northern Canada were beautiful and they truly captured the essence of alternating living and mindsets. Though a lot of the story stems in tragedy there is an uplifting and captivating presence about Cea that always has me routing for her. This movie is Truly a MUST SEE if you love coming of age stories, nature and beautiful cinematic experiences.

Watching Cea's book and life story be turned into a movie was such an amazing experience. It was so well done, the cast was so great for the roles they played and you really got a sense of what she had to live through and how her life was. It was emotional and breathtaking and overall a beautiful story. Cea and her crew were able to capture that amazing sense of realness, watching the movie really pulled on my heartstrings but in the way you want as the audience. This movie was overall amazing. I had a wonderful experience watching it. I definitely recommend it after reading the book so you can really look at the two and match the face to character from reading about the character to than seeing them on the big screen, which was some thing I enjoyed.

Interesting lifestyle piece exploring the mother/young daughter dynamics in a chaotic alternative lifestyle.

Lack of a stable home and upbringing as Cea's mother moves frequently with the various men in her life.

The 'acting' was superb but especially regarding the two young Cea's. So compelling and then watching the older Cea getting her confidence and courage as she comes of age and begins to move on. Where are my tissues? Highly recommended.

I suspect there is much more that could be explored around this story but in my opinion it accomplishes likely what it set out to explore. A young girl and how well she copes in a nomadic lifestyle, much of it in the great outdoors but constantly on the move.

From the opening scene of North Normal, I felt drawn in and gently swept into this captivating movie with its' beautiful scenery and its' complex and endearing characters. I fell in love with Cea Person's books and I was excited and a little nervous to see how her story would be portrayed in film. This movie surpassed my expectations. I was blown away by the wonderful quality of acting and the artful cinematography. I laughed, cried and I came away with much to think about. The relationships and the sensitive subject matter were thoughtfully and creatively handled. It felt real, raw and yet, somehow, beautiful at the same time. My husband has not read Cea's books and he is more of an action/adventure movie guy. Amazingly, he was swept up in the viewing experience as much as I was! There was plenty of adventure to keep him involved and he found the dynamics between the main characters to be captivating and authentic. Bravo!