"North of Normal"

2022 * Not Rated * 1h 30m I’ll freely admit I’m an old hippie at heart. I came of age in the late 60s and early 70s, but was more into the music and politics than the alternative lifestyle. As much as I would have liked to, I was far too young to move out to San Fransisco and settle down in Haight-Ashbury. However, one of my few regrets in life was not hitchhiking out east with my lifelong pal “The Hawk” to attend Woodstock. Oh well, I’ll just have to settle for watching the documentary about the historic event. These days, whenever I hear of a film involving hippies, it goes right in my queue. I’m glad this film was recommended to me—what a delightful find it is.

“North of Normal” is based on the best-selling 2014 autobiography by model and fashion entrepreneur Cea Sunrise Person. It covers the writer’s formative years growing up in communes in Western Canada and the Yukon. The film is directed by writer Carly Stone, best known for her wonderful television series “Kim’s Convenience.” She assembled a strong cast for the movie which includes Sarah Gadon (“Ferrari” “Enemy”), Robert Carlyle (“The Full Monty” “Trainspotting”), and Amanda Fix (“Orphan Black: Echoes” “High School”).

Young Cea, played by the talented River Price-Maenpaa, is living an idyllic life out in the woods. It’s the early 1970s and she’s part of a hippie commune living off the grid. She spends her days exploring her surroundings and practicing archery. Cea’s grandparents “Papa Dick” (Carlyle) and Grandma Jeanne (Janet Porter) are loosely in charge of the group. Her mother Michelle (Gadon) is a free spirit who loves to get high and sleep around. Certainly an interesting role model for the young girl. Early on, her grandpa teaches her a valuable lesson. He asks her what she’d do when encountering a bear on the trail. “Don’t give in to fear,” he tells her. Then they both raise their hands in the air and roar. It’s something she’ll carry with her as she wends her way through life.

One day Cea is shocked when her mother tells her she’s leaving her and moving to the city and she’ll be looked after by her grandparents. But she’s in good hands and they give her all the love and attention she needs to mature. The film jumps ahead six years to Cea who’s now a teenager. There’s a joyous reunion as she and her mom start their new life in the big city. Just when you think things are going to be stable, Michelle continues her habit of falling for one disastrous boyfriend after another. At one point they even resort to squatting at summer homes of city folk.

A telling scene occurs when Cea and Michelle spend the day at the beach. While her mom is off frolicking in the water, she’s approached by a talent scout who tells her she’s beautiful and asks her if she’d like to audition for a modeling job. It could end up with her working in Paris. During flashbacks, we learn that one of their dreams is to travel to Paris together, and her prized possession is a snow globe of the Eiffel Tower. Even though it goes against the anti-establishment mores of her upbringing, the job sounds very intriguing to her.

Another amusing scene is when Cea is being interviewed by the school principal and he inquires about her living situation. She tells him that she appreciates the fact that she now has her own bedroom, and doesn’t have to sleep with her mom and her boyfriends. Realizing what it sounds like, she has to clarify that she doesn’t actually sleep WITH the boyfriends, they were just there. Even still, her living situation has an awkward ring to it.

The film was nominated for a number of awards and I can see why. It’s a moving portrayal of a young girl coming of age in an interesting time and environment. I really enjoyed the performances from both Amanda Fix and River Price-Maenpaa. Maybe it’s the teenager in me, but I got a kick out of hearing the younger Cea swearing like a sailor. There’s just something innately funny about an innocent kid cussing. That’s not to take away from her acting chops—I think we’re going to see a lot more from this talented girl. I also thought it was interesting that while Robert Carlyle is Scottish, he somehow totally lost his accent. That takes talent!

The cinematography was also outstanding. David Robert Jones did a commendable job capturing the stunning beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Shot after shot could be easily turned into postcards. Overall, one of the things I especially appreciated is that this is one of those movies where almost nothing really bad happens. Sure, there are plenty of emotional scenes but they’re all in keeping with the narrative. And the ending, while a bit abrupt, sort of sets the stage for a sequel. Fingers crossed that that’s in the works.

Note to parents: The film is unrated but I’d says it’s in between a PG-13 and R, mainly due to cussing and drug use.

Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card). Also on Tubi, Prime, and the Roku Channel, and to rent on YouTube, Apple TV, Fandango, and Amazon Prime.

4 out of 5 stars