PLEASE BE NORMAL

Cinemavixion Review

Haik Kocharian's "Please Be Normal" delves into the suffocating pressures of impending parenthood and the clash between artistic aspirations and societal expectations. Louis Cancelmi delivers a compelling performance as Victor, a playwright grappling with the loss of his creative freedom as his girlfriend, Mary (Elisabeth Waterston), anticipates their first child. The film poignantly captures Victor's internal conflict, exacerbated by the prospect of a suburban life funded by Mary's affluent father. While the narrative occasionally veers into dramatic territory, it effectively explores the sacrifices demanded by love and ambition when faced with the weight of familial obligations. The inclusion of veteran actor Sam Waterston adds a notable presence to the ensemble, grounding the film's exploration of generational differences and the pursuit of personal fulfillment amidst life-altering changes.