Normande (1975): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1975, Normande is a fantasy and drama film directed by Gilles Carle, running about 117 minutes. “I am happy and normal... save me!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Normande St-Onge works as a clerk in a pharmacy and takes dance classes with the dream of being a cabaret dancer. Her mother, Berthe, has been confined to a mental institution by Normande's uncle, the wealthy lawyer Jean-Paul. But Normande, who does not believe her mother is insane, kidnaps her from the institution and brings her home. Also living with them is Normande's sister Pierette, who has asthma and a drug addiction, Normande's boyfriend Bouliane, who is unemployed and in no hurry to find a job, and a strange young magician named Carol she took in after he was kicked out of his home. All of these people depend on Normande in various ways and exploit her; Normande, desperate to be loved, is driven mad by the demands of her parasite family. When she receives an eviction notice stating that the building will be demolished and rebuilt into a restaurant, it all becomes too much for Normande and her mind retreats into fantasy to protect her from the harsh realities.

Who’s in it. Normande stars Carole Laure as Normande St-Onge, Raymond Cloutier as Bouliane, Reynald Bouchard as Carol and Carmen Giroux as Pierrette St-Onge, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.9/10, Normande has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In CA you can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Normande page.

If you liked it. Fans of Normande tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.