Before I start I'll put my review into context. I have read part of the book, maybe about half or more.
While the movie lacks many details in the book that make it such an emotionally heightened story, the movie stands well on its own. Choosing to focus on the relationship between Cea and her mom the movie is able to create a compelling narrative in a short amount of time. That being said I personally would've loved if it were longer, and dove deeper into Cea's individual growth and development.
I really want to take a moment to appreciate the way sexual abuse was handled in the film. In a society where so much of the media we are exposed to portrays sexual abuse in a way that is titilating and sensational, there really is no blueprint for ethical portrayal of abuse and survivors. North Of Normal does an incredible job of portraying the Cea's experience of sexual abuse by putting focus on the impact on her through her childhood and adolescence, rather than the event itself.
Awesome acting overall, but Amanda Fix's performance in particular was stelar. The cinematography was also gorgeous and highly effective in supporting and elevating the emotions of the story. I hope to see the story resume in a sequel.
D.
While the movie lacks many details in the book that make it such an emotionally heightened story, the movie stands well on its own. Choosing to focus on the relationship between Cea and her mom the movie is able to create a compelling narrative in a short amount of time. That being said I personally would've loved if it were longer, and dove deeper into Cea's individual growth and development.
I really want to take a moment to appreciate the way sexual abuse was handled in the film. In a society where so much of the media we are exposed to portrays sexual abuse in a way that is titilating and sensational, there really is no blueprint for ethical portrayal of abuse and survivors. North Of Normal does an incredible job of portraying the Cea's experience of sexual abuse by putting focus on the impact on her through her childhood and adolescence, rather than the event itself.
Awesome acting overall, but Amanda Fix's performance in particular was stelar. The cinematography was also gorgeous and highly effective in supporting and elevating the emotions of the story. I hope to see the story resume in a sequel.
D.