#522: Minnesota Not-So-Nice, Pt. 2 — Normal

In this follow-up to their discussion of Fargo, the hosts of The Next Picture Show dive into Ben Wheatley's 2026 film Normal, positioning it as a dark, genre-shifting inversion of the Coen Brothers' classic. The film, starring Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses, a temporary sheriff in the seemingly idyllic town of Normal, Minnesota, unfolds in three distinct acts: a slow-burn character study, a chaotic action sequence, and a farcical finale involving a Yakuza cover-up. The panel debates whether the tonal whiplash works, with mixed reactions—Scott Tobias finds the first act sluggish and the middle act a hollow John Wick imitation, while Tasha Robinson and Genevieve Kosky appreciate the eerie quiet and subtle social commentary of the opening. Keith Phipps highlights the film’s central irony: a town that appears 'Minnesota Nice' on the surface is, in fact, a deeply corrupt conspiracy. The discussion turns to themes of late-stage capitalism, performative community, and the absurdity of the plot, particularly the town’s militarized police force and the implausible inciting incident. Despite its flaws, the hosts acknowledge Odenkirk’s restrained performance and the film’s clever final twist. The episode closes with a recommendation for the Fargo TV series, particularly seasons two and five, and a playful exchange about hats, social media, and the hosts’ personal projects.