My Normal

My Normal is an engaging drama that weaves its narrative around self-discovery, acceptance, and defiance of conventional norms. This 2009 indie delights with a lighthearted ambiance contrasted with moments of profound depth. The movie, directed by Irving Schwartz, features Nicole LaLiberte, Ty Jones, and Dawn Noel in its central cast, and it elucidates a lifestyle that is often misjudged and misunderstood.

The film's protagonist is Natalie, portrayed by Nicole LaLiberte, a young woman whose dreams of becoming a filmmaker propel her through life, even as she navigates the provocative world of BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, Masochism) as a dominatrix. As a lesbian, Natalie's already unconventional life tends to come across as 'abnormal' to the more traditional members of society. It's this constant judgement she aims to break free from, through her pursuit of a 'normal' life.

Nicole LaLiberte delivers a genuinely affective performance, capturing Natalie's complexities, her vulnerability, and her determined positivity with absolute mastery. Her alluring presence is perfectly matched with a backdrop of the edgy underground scene of New York, offering viewers a compelling exploration of the BDSM subculture without exploiting it for shock value.

My Normal follows Natalie's life, her relationships, her struggles with masks, metaphorically and otherwise, and how she meanders between her double life. At one end, Natalie lives her role as a dominatrix, a job she has become proficient at but does not entirely define who she is. At the other end, she lowers the façade to reveal a person who desires typical relationships, career fulfillment, and a solid social standing.

Ty Jones stars as Wood, another pivotal character tangled in Natalie's life. He gives an admirable performance to portray an accepting friend who not only guides Natalie on her journey but also grapples with his insecurities. Dawn Noel, on the other hand, charms with her on-screen role as Alexis, and she becomes an undeniable force to be reckoned with as the film progresses each minute.

My Normal's strength lies in its authentic depiction of a subculture that isn't widely understood. It doesn't romanticize or caricaturize the lifestyle but portrays it respectfully, as part of its characters’ identities. The movie declines to simplify its characters into mere stereotypes, instead, it crafts them into relatable people with aspirations, passions, and insecurities, which forms the core of the narrative.

The film explores themes surrounding normalization and societal acceptance, deftly balancing drama and light-hearted comedy. Yet, at its heart, it's about a young woman's tenacious quest for reaching her dreams while staying true to herself, a theme that resonates with many, irrespective of their 'normality'. My Normal challenges conventional attitudes while revealing the relentless human spirit in overcoming such prejudices.

The cinematography is tasteful and adds to the gripping narrative. While the provocative themes may not appeal to all viewers, My Normal's strengths lie in its authentic characters, inclusive storyline, and enlightening exploration of an often-misjudged lifestyle. It's intriguing, enlightening and provides a fresh perspective on the concept of normality, making it stand out in the realm of independent filmmaking.

My Normal is an insightful journey towards self-discovery, acceptance, and the desire to be seen beyond the conventional (or unconventional) roles played in the everyday grind of existence. It's a movie that presents a plea to look beyond the surface, and accept individuals for their humanity, beyond pre-established stereotypes. It's a film that broadly asks the audience, 'What is your normal?' and encourages acceptance of others, despite - or perhaps because of - their unique 'normal.'

Overall, the film feels like a breath of fresh air in an often predictable cinematic landscape, offering a distinct perspective that provokes thought and empathy in equal measure. It may tread unfamiliar paths for some viewers, but each step is a move towards unveiling the human nature and personality attributes that make us who we are. My Normal does more than telling a story; it encourages viewers to reconsider their definitions and boundaries of 'normal.'