Profoundly Normal
Profoundly Normal

Profoundly Normal

2003Movie96 minEnglish

Donna Lee Shelby, a mentally challenged girl who lives in Forest Haven, an institution for the developmentally disabled, meets Ricardo Thornton, a fellow resident. When Forest Haven is closed by a court order, Donna and Ricardo venture into the real world on their own.

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IMDb6.0/10
Director: David GreeneGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A reserved, middle-aged woman named Dorothy is struggling to adapt to life after her husband's death. When her daughter's rock musician boyfriend, a young man named Danny, comes to stay, Dorothy finds herself unexpectedly drawn to him. Their unconventional connection challenges societal norms and forces Dorothy to confront her own buried desires and find a new path forward.

Critical Reception

Profoundly Normal received mixed reviews, with many critics acknowledging the strong performances of its lead actors, particularly Meredith Baxter. The film's exploration of an age-gap romance was seen as daring by some, while others found the narrative predictable and the premise somewhat unbelievable. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating the emotional depth and unconventional love story, and others finding it uncomfortable or poorly executed.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Meredith Baxter's sensitive portrayal of a woman seeking connection.
  • Criticized for a predictable plot and an unconventional romance that strains credibility.
  • Explores themes of grief, self-discovery, and societal judgment with varying degrees of success.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and varied, with some viewers finding the film touching and relatable in its exploration of unexpected love and personal reinvention, while others expressed discomfort with the central relationship and found the story unconvincing.

Fun Fact

The film was originally conceived as a television movie, which may explain its more intimate scale and character-driven focus.

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