The Normals

The 2012 independent film, The Normals, is an engaging roller-coaster narrative that tells the story of young individuals surviving in the throes of an economic crunch by participating in the experimental world of medical testing. Billy Schine (Bryan Greenberg), the protagonist, signposts the narrative arc in an immersive saga that brings to the fore the human struggle and resilience.

Billy Schine is a struggling writer living in New York City. In his mid-thirties, life is not what he envisaged for himself. He's knee-deep in debt, behind on rent and without a real job, living a life thrust upon him by a failing economy. Desperate to break free from this distressing situation, Billy stumbles upon a rather unconventional mixture of promise and desperation; a paid medical experiment trial.

So desperate is his situation that he signs up without giving it much thought, thinking it is an easy way to make some cash. He's tapped to join a group of volunteers at a secluded facility where a drug company is running a thirty-day trial for a new, mysterious medication.

When Billy starts this journey, he is joined by an eccentric group of co-participants. This diverse ensemble includes people from various walks of life, like Cat Ascienzo and Mishka Balilty, all sharing the same drive, desperation or curiosity that led them there. Strangers thrown together in this surreal predicament, they navigate the unsettling world of medical experimentation while also grappling with their personal lives and motivations.

The Normals present a mysterious yet mild-mannered doctor who guides them and appears more interested in test results than in the people supplying them. As the experiment goes on, strange things begin to occur, hinting that the trial is about much more than it seems on the surface. The attendees start to question their willingness to be human guinea pigs in this elaborate trial, but the lucrative compensation seems to keep them bound.

A side story develops when Billy, while in the midst of chaotic medical trial, begins to strike an unusual relationship with one of the female test subjects, which adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. This relationship presents a juxtaposing sense of normalcy amidst a surreal, sterile, and science-controlled environment. It subtly nudges at the humane side of these desperate individuals, adding a romance subplot to the science-heavy storytelling.

The Normals, directed by Kevin Patrick Connors and written by Christopher Schiller, is a dramedy that encapsulates the struggles of average people trying to stay afloat amidst the pressures of a capitalist system. It is a distinctive blend of comedy, drama, and romance that holds a mirror to society, reflecting economic despair, unfulfilled dreams, hope, resilience, and human relationships.

The film's narrative also slips in a critic of corporate ambitions and their sheer disregard for individual lives in the pharmaceutical industry, adding a substantial social commentary to the narrative. It toys with the theme, posing the question: How far can one go in the name of science?

The film uses its grounded, character-focused approach to tell a bold story. The character of Billy acts as the audience's guide into this world, lending a sense of authenticity and relatability to his struggles. Bryan Greenberg delivers a compelling performance as Billy, conveying a sense of despair as well as determination. Cat Ascienzo and Mishka Balilty also deliver commendable performances that bring to life the charming yet complex characters they portray.

On a technical level, this indie film, with its modest budget, achieves a level of cinematographic excellence that thrives on its story-driven narrative rather than relying heavily on visuals. The medical trial acts as both a backdrop and a catalyst to the story, making the film an unusual yet compelling narrative. The Normals, while it has elements of a typical indie film, ventures into seldom-explored territory, providing an engaging cocktail of love, a little lunacy, and the lengths people will go to survive.

The Normals stands out as an indie film that tackles serious themes with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of romance. It is a must-watch for those who are drawn to unconventional narratives that blend a variety of genres seamlessly. The movie manages to portray the depths of human resilience when faced with adversity, leaving the audience pondering on the inherent, yet often overlooked raw power of human beings. Certainly, The Normals is the kind of indie film that makes viewers reconsider the lines between normal and not-so-normal.