Watch Palmer
- R
- 2021
- 1 hr 50 min
-
7.3 (43,499)
Palmer is a heartwarming drama film released in 2021, starring Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, and Alisha Wainwright, directed by Fisher Stevens. The film tells the story of Eddie Palmer (Timberlake), a former high school football star and convict who returns to his hometown after spending 12 years in prison. He moves in with his grandmother, Vivian (June Squibb), and tries to piece his life back together.
Palmer quickly becomes an outsider in his small, tight-knit community. He is treated with suspicion and disdain, and it's evident that his past mistakes continue to haunt him. However, things start to change when he meets Sam (Ryder Allen), a seven-year-old boy who is struggling to fit in amongst his peers. Sam is bullied at school, and his mother is absent because of her addiction problems. Palmer becomes Sam's caretaker while his mother, Shelly (Wainwright), serves her prison sentence.
Palmer initially resents having to take care of someone else's child, but he gradually develops a deep affection for Sam. The two of them bond over their love for football, and Palmer takes it upon himself to help Sam find his place in the world. They spend their days playing in the woods, fishing, and fixing up Palmer's trailer. Palmer also helps Sam stand up to his bullies and encourages him to pursue his dreams.
As Palmer starts to rebuild his life, he faces several challenges. He struggles to find a job because of his criminal record, and his relationship with Shelly becomes strained when she returns home from prison. Sam's presence in his life also puts a strain on his newfound sobriety. However, with the help of his grandmother and newfound friends, he manages to overcome these obstacles.
The film's standout performances come from Timberlake and Allen. Timberlake delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man trying to make amends for his past mistakes. He captures Palmer's contradictions, showing his gruff exterior alongside his tender-hearted nature. Allen, who plays Sam, is a revelation. He imbues Sam with a sense of vulnerability that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Temple and Wainwright also give strong performances as women grappling with their own demons.
Palmer is a film about redemption and the power of human connections. It's a story about two outsiders who find solace in each other and manage to heal each other's wounds. The film is not without its flaws - some of the plotlines feel predictable, and there are moments when it feels like it's trying too hard to be a tearjerker. However, it's a genuinely heartfelt and earnest film that is worth the watch.
Overall, Palmer is a moving drama film that is sure to tug at your heartstrings. It's a film that reminds us that it's never too late to make amends and find redemption. The film's central message is that even in our darkest moments, we can find hope and love if we're willing to open ourselves up to it. If you're a fan of Timberlake or looking for an uplifting drama, then Palmer is definitely worth checking out.
Palmer is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 53.