Directed by
Trevor Wall
Made by
Lionsgate
Discover the intricate plot of Norm of the North (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Norm, the polar bear and heir to the Arctic throne, finds himself on an unexpected journey. As the son of the king, he inherits a unique gift—the ability to communicate with humans—much like his grandfather. Unfortunately, this remarkable trait makes him an outcast among his peers, leaving him reliant on the friendship of Socrates, a sagacious bird, and Elizabeth, a lovely female polar bear who captures his heart.
After years of isolation, Norm’s world shifts dramatically when his grandfather mysteriously vanishes, and an influx of human tourists threatens the Arctic wilderness. Socrates introduces Norm and a trio of lemmings to a lavish condo that has been set up amidst the icy landscape. Here, they meet Vera—a representative for the ambitious developer Mr. Greene. When Norm heroically rescues Vera from a devastating avalanche, Mr. Greene instructs her to seek out an actor to portray a polar bear in a new campaign.
Determined to help, Norm, along with the lemmings, embarks on an adventure by sneaking onto a ship heading to New York City. Once they arrive, Norm disguises himself as an actor donning a bear costume, auditioning for Mr. Greene’s commercial while enjoying a meal with Vera. However, Mr. Greene soon realizes that Norm is a genuine bear and grows increasingly suspicious about Norm’s motives, believing he may be attempting to rescue his grandfather, who Greene has imprisoned.
During an escalating incident in a restaurant where Mr. Greene attempts to harm Norm, the polar bear manages to thwart Greene’s plan, unwittingly becoming a symbol of hope and skyrocketing the developer’s media approval ratings. Greene hires Norm as his mascot to capitalize on this new popularity. Before appearing on a television program, Norm meets Vera’s daughter, Olympia. She urges him to use his influence to bolster Greene’s ratings, only to later expose Greene’s ulterior motives in development projects threatening the Arctic.
As Norm’s fame grows, Greene sabotages him, manipulating recorded messages to falsely depict Norm’s support for destructive projects. Heartbroken yet resilient, Norm receives solace from Vera and Olympia, who inform him of Greene’s ongoing plans to construct additional homes in the Arctic. Teaming up with the lemmings, Norm uncovers Greene’s bribing of a Polar Council member, exposing the plot to Pablo, one of Greene’s investors. The revelation prompts Vera to resign from her post and join forces with Pablo, leading Norm and the lemmings on a chase after the trucks transporting the houses.
Things take a dramatic turn when Norm is captured along with his grandfather as another truck attempts to transport them. With the help of the lemmings, Norm escapes just in time to intercept the boats destined for the Arctic, successfully detaching the homes. However, chaos ensues as Norm is separated from his grandfather and companions, resulting in a temporary loss of consciousness.
When Norm awakens, he finds himself back in the Arctic, where the lemmings and other animals rejoice at his return, though his grandfather remains unaccounted for. Celebrating his bravery, Norm is crowned the king of the Arctic, just as his grandfather finally arrives at the ceremony. With Mr. Greene’s ambitions now exposed and in shambles, Vera and Olympia embrace their new role under Pablo’s leadership, while Norm and Elizabeth happily welcome their three cubs into the world, signifying a new era for the Arctic.
Track the key events of Norm of the North (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Norm's Unique Gift
Norm, the polar bear, learns that he has the extraordinary ability to communicate with humans, a gift he inherited from his grandfather. This ability, however, sets him apart from his peers and makes him feel like an outcast in the Arctic.
Grandfather's Disappearance
Norm's life takes a turn when his grandfather mysteriously vanishes, causing concern for the welfare of the Arctic. This event marks the beginning of Norm's quest to uncover the truth while dealing with the growing presence of tourists.
Meeting with Socrates and Elizabeth
As he struggles with his isolation, Norm finds companionship in Socrates, a wise bird, and Elizabeth, a fellow polar bear. Their friendship becomes crucial as Norm faces the challenges posed by human development in his homeland.
Avalanche Rescue
During a catastrophic avalanche, Norm saves Vera, a human representative for the developer Mr. Greene. This heroic act not only cements their bond but also puts Norm in the spotlight, attracting the attention of Mr. Greene.
The New Campaign
After the rescue, Mr. Greene decides to cast an actor as a polar bear for his marketing campaign. He instructs Vera to find someone suitable, unaware that a real polar bear - Norm - is already in the picture.
Journey to New York City
Determined to help save his home, Norm sneaks onto a ship bound for New York City with Socrates and a trio of lemmings. This adventure marks a significant step in Norm’s quest as he enters an unfamiliar world.
The Audition
Once in New York, Norm disguises himself in a bear costume and auditions for Greene's commercial. While enjoying a meal with Vera, he must navigate the complexities of human expectations and his identity as a bear.
Growing Suspicion
As Norm's popularity rises, Mr. Greene starts to grow suspicious of Norm's true identity. He begins suspecting that Norm may be trying to rescue his grandfather, who he has locked away.
Becoming a Symbol
After thwarting Greene's harmful plans in a restaurant incident, Norm inadvertently becomes a symbol of hope for the people. This newfound fame leads Greene to hire him as his mascot to enhance his commercial appeal.
Norm's Dilemma
As Norm gains fame, he is confronted by Olympia, Vera's daughter, who encourages him to use his influence wisely. However, she later reveals Greene’s malicious intent behind the development projects threatening the Arctic.
Exposing Greene's Scheme
Norm, together with the lemmings, uncovers Greene's corruption involving a member of the Polar Council. They challenge Greene's plans, but immediately after, Greene resorts to manipulating Norm’s public image for his gain.
The Chase
In a daring chase, Norm and the lemmings try to follow the trucks intended to transport the homes. Their efforts culminate in a decisive moment where Norm aims to stop this displacement of his Arctic home.
Captivity and Resilience
Norm finds himself captured alongside his grandfather by Greene's henchmen. With his friends' help, he devises a plan to escape, showcasing his resilience and determination to protect his family.
Return to the Arctic
Upon escaping, Norm awakens in the Arctic, welcomed back by the jubilant lemmings and other animals. Despite his grandfather's absence at first, the reunion with his home reinvigorates Norm's spirit.
Crowning the King
Norm is celebrated for his bravery and crowned as the new king of the Arctic. His grandfather finally appears during the ceremony, marking the beginning of a hopeful new era for Norm and his family.
Meet the characters that bring Norm of the North (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Norm
Norm, the protagonist polar bear, is brave and compassionate, often torn between his responsibilities as a prince and his desire for acceptance. His unique ability to communicate with humans sets him apart, leading him to embark on a heroic quest. Norm evolves from a socially awkward bear to a confident leader who embraces his role in protecting the Arctic.
Socrates (Ken Jeong)
Socrates is a witty and wise bird who serves as Norm's mentor and friend. His clever insights and humor provide comic relief while guiding Norm through difficult situations. As a loyal companion, Socrates exemplifies the value of friendship and support in moments of need.
Elizabeth (Heather Graham)
Elizabeth is a kind-hearted female polar bear who captures Norm's affection. Her nurturing nature and courage inspire Norm to fight for their home. Throughout the story, Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in rallying support from others against the threats posed by humans.
Mr. Greene
Mr. Greene is the ambitious developer whose greed threatens the Arctic. Charismatic yet unscrupulous, he embodies corporate exploitation of nature. His antagonistic role forces Norm to confront the harsh realities of environmental destruction and the fight against greed.
Vera
Vera is a representative for Mr. Greene who initially follows company orders but gradually recognizes the inherent dangers of their plans. Her character arc highlights the potential for change and the importance of standing up for what is right. Over time, Vera becomes a crucial ally for Norm.
Uncover the settings of Norm of the North (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie takes place in a contemporary context where environmental issues are increasingly prominent. The narrative reflects ongoing concerns about climate change and corporate development threatening natural habitats. This backdrop enhances the urgency of Norm's quest to protect his home and family.
Location
Arctic, New York City
The Arctic is a vast, icy wilderness known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, including polar bears and lemmings. It faces various threats from human encroachment, making it a critical area for conservation efforts. New York City, on the other hand, is a bustling metropolis famed for its iconic skyline and diverse culture. The contrast between these two settings highlights the challenges of modernity versus nature.
Explore the core themes of Norm of the North (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Identity
Norm grapples with his identity as both a polar bear and a potential king. His journey highlights the struggle to find acceptance among peers while embracing his unique abilities. As he rises to challenge corporate greed, Norm learns the importance of self-discovery and leadership.
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Environmentalism
The film addresses pressing environmental themes, focusing on the impact of human activities on the Arctic ecosystem. Norm's adventure underscores the need for conservation and the defense of vulnerable habitats against development. This theme resonates with audiences, promoting awareness about protecting nature.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a pivotal role in Norm's journey, especially his bond with Socrates and Elizabeth. Their support helps him navigate challenges and reinforces the notion that unity can lead to overcoming great odds. This theme emphasizes the power of collaboration and loyalty in the face of adversity.
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