Leaving Normal (1992)

In the humble town of Normal, Wyoming, we meet Marianne Johnson and Darly Peters, two women firmly anchored on the opposite ends of life's spectrum. Marianne, a 27-year-old free spirit, is an eternal optimist, perpetually on the move, believing each decision she takes will be the stepping stone to her rightful destiny. Yet, her life choices, including an ill-fated marriage to Curtis Johnson, have been a series of monumental failures. The only job she's ever held was a brief military stint where she met Curtis. On the other hand, we have Darly Peters, a gritty 38-year-old cocktail waitress whose life is a tapestry of visible scars and open failures. Her present life in Normal is dominated by her waitressing job and haunted by a past that includes a deceased ex-husband, who she abandoned eighteen years ago, leaving behind an unfinished house in the remote Palmer Valley, Alaska. This house, now deeded to her, represents a chance for rootedness, a first-ever opportunity to feel settled. When Marianne's attempt to start afresh in Portland crashes, her path converges with that of Darly, who sees in her a stranger in desperate need of help. Darly extends an invitation to Marianne to accompany her on her journey to Alaska. Leaving behind the normality of Normal, they embark on a cross-country adventure. Their journey, unlike the fatalistic voyage of Thelma and Louise, is a quest for a place to stop, to find their footing in the world. As they traverse the diverse American landscape, they encounter a colorful array of characters and unexpected adventures that may profoundly shift their perspectives on life. However, Darly's unresolved past in Alaska casts a long shadow, and the reality of life in Alaska might not be the idyllic haven they were hoping for. "Leaving Normal" is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to redefine life's trajectory, even when it veers off the beaten path.

Leaving Normal is a comedy movie featuring Christine Lahti.

Leaving Normal is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Roku Channel.