Palmer Review

 

Certificate: 15

Running time: 111 minutes 

Starring: Justin Timberlake, Alisha Wainwright, Juno Temple, Ryder Allen, June Squibb, Jake Brennan

Directed by: Fisher Stevens 

The story: Former high school football star Eddie returns home after twelve years in prison and meets Sam, an outcast boy from a troubled family. When Sam suddenly needs a place to stay, Eddie reluctantly agrees to take care of him.

The verdict: Justin Timberlake has long since shown audiences that he has talent as an actor and in Palmer we get to yet another level of that talent in his restrained but effective portrayal of character Eddie Palmer. 

All the performances in the film are very good but Palmer also showcases another particular talent in Ryder Allen’s performance as Sam. Whilst Eddie provides redemption and contemplative drama, Sam is the heart of the film providing all the moments that tug on the audience’s heartstrings. 

From the opening scenes, I was fully engaged in Palmer. I liked the characters and I liked the visuals, and so I found that the film was incredibly watchable. The comparison of stoic Eddie with vibrant Sam and the relationship that builds between them was so easy to invest in and to root for.

What did frustrate me slightly was that in spite of the important and interesting themes that it addresses, I did feel that Palmer never fully explored these themes and issues as deeply as I wanted it to. We were also given all these great characters but there was so much that the audience doesn’t get to know about them. For example, upon leaving prison, Eddie goes to live with his grandmother. We don’t know why or whether he has any other family. And though it’s explained, I am still slightly confused as to why Eddie was in prison in the first place. One particularly interesting character is only given minimal screen time and it felt like the film missed a trick with not exploring the relationships with that character more. 

However, one thing that I really loved about Palmer was that rather than the film being about Eddie and Sam trying to change each other, it was about them giving each other the support and acceptance to be themselves and be true to who they are. 

Overall, an Apple TV+ original definitely worth watching. 

The rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half.