North of Normal (2022)

After Alex, a struggling actor, is evicted from his apartment, his best friend, Brett, a sound designer who’s married and has two young kids, tries to convince him to stay in LA. Meanwhile, Brett’s wife, Michelle, deals with her directionless big sister, Tina, who’s visiting from Houston. Following a group outing at the beach, Michelle and Brett clash while Tina confronts an ex, with Alex’s help.

Tina tries to shake Alex out of his funk by enlisting him to help with her business and vowing to help him get the career of his dreams. Brett gets in trouble at work when his creative instincts rub co-workers the wrong way. Tina convinces Michelle to spice things up in the bedroom.

Brett’s invite to a movie premiere leads to an impromptu night on the town for everyone. Tina and Alex engage in a personal “mission,” Brett looks to mend a work relationship, and Michelle meets David, a divorced dad who wants to start a new charter school. Brett finds a way to cheer up Alex.

Alex and Tina fly back to Houston to pack up her things. During a night of drinks and dancing, Tina finds herself unexpectedly jealous of Alex. Back in LA, Brett whisks Michelle away for some much-needed intimacy.

After an intense therapy session, Michelle organizes a day of fun with old friends, despite Brett’s lack of enthusiasm. When a group of hipsters looks to sour their plans, Michelle challenges them to a brutal game of “kick the can.”

During a morning hike, Brett meets Linda, a new-age believer who encourages him to get in touch with himself. Tina tries to make up with Alex by getting him an audition, Michelle helps David with the charter school and Brett takes a stand at work and opens up about his feelings.

Michelle throws a fundraising party for the charter school while Brett enters a new state of mind at Linda’s house. Still at odds with Alex, Tina struggles with her bouncy-castle business; later, a conversation with Larry makes her rethink the future. Brett has a chat with David and an honest conversation with Michelle.

When Alex gets big career news, he seeks out Tina, who is busy planning her future with Larry. On a trip to Sacramento, Michelle steps up to the plate in a big way. After a day at the beach with the kids, Brett decides to share his feelings with Michelle.