When I first heard about Bob Odenkirk’s 2026 action flick Normal, I’ll admit I was skeptical. After all, the late-career pivot to action movies has become a Hollywood trope, often resulting in forgettable fare. Think Liam Neeson’s Taken clones—entertaining, sure, but hardly groundbreaking. So, when Odenkirk, known for his comedic genius in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, started down this path with Nobody in 2021, it felt like a risky gamble. But here’s the thing: Normal isn’t just another action movie. It’s a clever, genre-bending surprise that defies expectations, and it’s streaming on HBO Max right now.
What makes Normal particularly fascinating is how it subverts the typical action hero formula. Odenkirk isn’t playing a secret assassin or a grizzled ex-marine. Instead, he’s a world-weary sheriff in a small Minnesota town called Normal. On the surface, it’s your classic everyman role—the kind Odenkirk excels at. But the brilliance lies in the town itself. Normal isn’t what it seems, and neither is the story. Personally, I think this is where the film shines: it’s not just about the action; it’s about the mystery, the satire, and the dark humor that director Ben Wheatley weaves into every frame.
One thing that immediately stands out is Wheatley’s involvement. Known for his indie darlings like Kill List and High-Rise, Wheatley brings a unique sensibility to Normal. His ability to blend tension with absurdity is on full display here. For instance, there’s a scene where Odenkirk uses a meat tenderizer as a weapon—a moment that’s both brutal and hilariously unexpected. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of tonal balance is incredibly difficult to pull off, but Wheatley makes it look effortless. It’s not just an action movie; it’s a neo-Western, a psychological thriller, and a black comedy all rolled into one.
If you take a step back and think about it, Normal is a commentary on small-town America and the secrets lurking beneath its idyllic facade. The town’s prosperity is suspiciously well-funded, and Odenkirk’s sheriff quickly uncovers a conspiracy that turns him into a target. This raises a deeper question: how often do we overlook the darker realities hiding in plain sight? The film doesn’t just entertain; it challenges us to look closer.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the supporting cast. Henry Winkler as the town’s mayor and Lena Headey as a bartender with a secret add layers of intrigue. But it’s the bank robbers, played by Reena Jolly and Brendan Fletcher, who really steal the show. Their partnership with Odenkirk feels organic, and their dynamic adds a much-needed dose of chaos to the narrative.
Critics have praised Normal for its originality, and I couldn’t agree more. With a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s clear that the film resonates. Danny Leigh of the Financial Times called it a “cheerfully gonzo midnight movie,” and I think that’s spot on. It’s the kind of film that keeps you guessing, blending satire with high-octane action in a way that feels fresh.
What this really suggests is that Odenkirk and writer Derek Kolstad (of John Wick fame) have found a winning formula. While Nobody was a solid entry into the action genre, Normal feels like a natural evolution. It’s not just a sequel in spirit; it’s a reinvention. In my opinion, this is what makes Normal a must-watch—it’s not content to be just another action movie. It’s smarter, funnier, and more ambitious.
As I reflect on Normal, I’m struck by how it manages to be both familiar and unexpected. It’s a testament to Odenkirk’s versatility and Wheatley’s vision. If you’re a fan of Nobody, you’ll find plenty to love here, but even if you’re not, Normal stands on its own as a clever, entertaining ride.
So, is Normal worth your time? Absolutely. It’s a film that doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. And in a sea of predictable action movies, that’s no small feat. Personally, I think it’s one of the most underrated films of 2026, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where Odenkirk and Kolstad take this partnership next. Stream it on HBO Max, and let me know what you think—I have a feeling you’ll be just as pleasantly surprised as I was.
