Featured, Movie Reviews

‘Palmer’ Review – An Emotional Journey of Second Chances, Self-actualization, Love, and Acceptance

Synopsis:

After 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer returns home to put his life back together—and forms an unlikely bond with Sam, an outcast boy from a troubled home. But Eddie’s past threatens to ruin his new life and family.

No one is exempt from mistakes, we all make them. And more times than not, you’re going to be judged by those mistakes. While it’s oftentimes not fair, that’s just how people operate. The bigger the mistake, the bigger the judgment. If the opportunity for a second chance presents itself, it’s up to you to find a way to make the best of that situation. It’s usually not easy nor is it glamorous but it’s a chance to prove to yourself and everyone else that your missteps do not define you. The people that matter will notice your effort and progress. Those who don’t notice or choose to hold you to your past, even after you’ve changed, don’t need to be in your life.

When was the last time you witnessed a beard full of tears? For me, it was immediately after this film when I looked in the mirror. Palmer is an emotional journey of second chances, self-actualization, love, and acceptance. You may be a heartless or very detached person if this film doesn’t pluck at your heartstrings at least a little bit. The story is full of charm, heart, and moments that remind you that it’s okay to be different and people can change. It’s a film that not only accurately reflects life in many ways but reminds me of people I care about in my own life. The story is well written, the score is immensely fitting, and its editing is fantastic. Even if you feel as if you know where the film is headed, it doesn’t take away from the impact of the story or the amazing performances. We’ve all felt the weight of judgment and the feeling of otherness. Also, we’ve all made a terrible mistake and needed a second chance. That’s where the film shines brightest; it knows us and itself. It does a great job of delivering its messaging, sometimes blatantly so, but in a way that fits perfectly into the narrative. Moreover, it gives us characters that we can securely latch onto in order to fully receive everything it has to say. I can confidently say that I laughed, I cried, I was angered, and I thoroughly enjoyed Palmer. Its rewatchability is high.

Plot & Pace

After making the biggest mistake of his life, former high school football star, Eddie Palmer is released from prison after twelve long years. Returning to his hometown in Louisiana, he is met with mostly smiles. The smiles soon become frowns as he struggles to find himself a job. Now living with his grandmother, Vivian, he encounters a little boy named Sam from the trailer next to their house. Sam frequents Vivian’s due to his neglectful mother, Shelly, and oftentimes will stay there for weeks. Determined to find a job, Palmer finally catches a break and manages to be hired as a janitor at an elementary school that Sam happens to attend. Shortly after his good news, his grandmother passes away and he is left to look after Sam until his mother returns. Palmer must now figure out how to overcome his past as well as take care of a kid that is seemingly the complete opposite of him.

The film moves effortlessly through its runtime. There are no dull or unnecessary moments to be found.

Characters & Chemistry

Ryder Allen is a star. Playing as the princess-loving, Sam he is the heartbeat of the film. Sam is authentically himself at all times. He loves dolls, fairy princesses, and makeup and isn’t afraid to hide it. Being in a small southern town, he is constantly bullied and called homophobic slurs by children and adults because of his interests. Nevertheless, he approaches everyday with optimism because he loves who he is. Ryder could be in every film I watch from here on out and I would be perfectly fine with that. Palmer (Justin Timberlake) is more complex than he initially appears to be. Seeming more as meathead at first, as the film progresses he becomes his true self once he realizes his purpose. I feel that this is Timberlake’s best and most memorable performance to date. The chemistry he has with Allen makes this movie very special.

Palmer is now streaming on Apple TV+. Stay safe and enjoy.