Notes by: Adam Harper
Date: 21st July 2024
Writer(s): Sophie Willan
Pages: 37
Genre: Comedy
Score Card
| Plot | Characters | Tone | Writing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Overall Score: 4.5
Plot Analysis
‘Alma’s Not Normal’ opens in a delightfully unassuming manner, immediately planting us in a working-class British town brimming with both problems and quirks. The scene at the job centre cleverly serves as a comedic expository dump, laying out Alma’s life in a way that’s both funny and informative. It’s a neat trick to get the audience quickly up to speed while keeping them entertained.
As a pilot episode, it masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of characters into the narrative, all while focusing on Alma’s relentless quest for cash. We see subplots emerging seamlessly, such as the boom box and the dynamic interactions between Joan, Anthony, and Alma. This is a testament to the script’s ability to juggle multiple storylines without losing the main thread.
The deeper we dive into Alma’s relationship with her mom, Lin, the more emotionally resonant the story becomes. It’s a clever narrative shift from the lighthearted to the more profound, without ever losing the comedic undertone. This balance keeps the audience engaged and sets the stage for more serious themes while maintaining a darkly humorous edge.
Watching Alma navigate her dysfunctional family is both sweet and achingly relatable. We all know we can’t choose our family, and the series beautifully illustrates the messy, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking journey of learning to accept each other. The final scene is particularly noteworthy, setting up a multitude of comedic and satirical possibilities for the rest of the series.
Character Analysis
Alma bursts onto the scene with a personality that needs no introduction. Her quirks and unabashed authenticity are immediately apparent, making her a character that’s both endearing and endlessly entertaining. There’s ample room for her to grow and evolve, but as this is a comedy, the pace of her development is perfectly measured. We sympathize with her as she naively stumbles from one predicament to another, seeking support and advice from a delightfully inept group of characters.
Alma’s constant reiteration of her financial woes not only underscores the series’ central theme but also highlights her impulsive and naïve nature. She often says she needs one thing but then acts in direct contradiction, a hilarious yet relatable human condition that many of us recognize in ourselves or our friends.
The supporting cast is just as vibrant and funny, providing a perfect foil to Alma’s outlandishness. Each character is unique and brings something special to the table, making the ensemble cast a joy to watch.
Tone Analysis
The tone of ‘Alma’s Not Normal’ is a fascinating blend of gritty, dark humor and lighter, more whimsical comedy. It walks a fine line between the two, creating a unique viewing experience that is both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. The use of flashbacks to flesh out Alma’s background is a smart narrative tool that adds depth without bogging down the story.
Every scene reinforces the theme of being skint and Alma’s struggle to lead a ‘normal’ life. The humor is top-notch, filled with great punchlines and a self-deprecating charm that pokes fun at everyday life in working-class Britain. Despite the crude and sometimes bleak humor, there’s an underlying theme of searching for happiness and purpose, something that resonates deeply.
Writing Analysis
The writing in ‘Alma’s Not Normal’ is slick and effortlessly readable, infused with a sense of fun and humor that leaps off the page. It doesn’t try to be overly clever, allowing the natural wit and charm of the dialogue to shine through. The voiceover is used effectively to add humor and establish the narrative voice, while flashbacks provide quickfire jokes and humorous insights without detracting from the main storyline.
The script adheres to the comedy principle of delivering a joke every 2-3 lines of dialogue, making it a great study piece for aspiring comedy writers. Notable scenes, such as the one on page 19 where Alma’s loudness post-coitus is humorously acknowledged, showcase the sharpness of the writing. The montage sequence on page 31 marks a shift in style, with more descriptive action blocks and less dialogue, reflecting Alma’s drunken state. This change in flow is both noticeable and effective.
Summary / Feedback
As a shooting script, the length might initially seem off for a 30-minute BBC show, but it clearly works – after all, the show got made! The script’s ability to resonate, even when discovered belatedly, speaks volumes about its quality. It’s no surprise that it has garnered accolades and praise.
The series has a sweetness to it, despite being set against a backdrop of poverty and struggle. It’s akin to a working-class ‘Fleabag,’ more relatable for those with a similar background. The show’s ability to find humor in the struggle and celebrate authenticity is an enviable achievement.
‘Alma’s Not Normal’ has definitely found a new fan. The script is an excellent blueprint for comedy writers, particularly those with personal stories to tell. It’s inspiring to see how real-life struggles can be transformed into a narrative that’s both hilarious and deeply moving. I’ll be diving into the rest of the series, both the scripts and the episodes on iPlayer. Alma’s story is one that I’m eager to follow.