There’s nothing especially groundbreaking about North of Normal, from its structure to its fairly predictable story beats, but it nevertheless manages to enrapture open-hearted viewers through its carefully crafted character writing and excellent performances. The journey very much follows a traditional indie coming-of-age style, but it’s what informs that style that ultimately makes the journey worth taking, and there are plenty of small but sweet moments to go around. River Price-Maenpaa and Amanda Fix both turn in great work as the same character at different ages, but it’s Sarah Gadon who ultimately steals the show with a quietly heartbreaking turn.