MOVIE REVIEW
By Eni Myrtollari
“Palmer”, a story about second chances – mostly not given
It matters little to none if you like drama, because this 2021 AppleTV+ production directed by Fisher Stevens will make you grab that bag of popcorn and, well, shred some tears.
The main character – yes, you guessed it right, his last name is Palmer – is a convict recently released from prison after a 12-year sentence. Nothing new here. This is the story of many trying to get back to their feet, right? Eddie Palmer, portrayed by Justin Timberlake, enters the first scene in a very beaten mood and face. His continuous sad grimace is definitely some refined acting skills compared to a bunch of previous romcoms he starred. (Not that he will not be smiling during the movie, let me tell you that.) You have shown some piece of real talent there, Justin boy!
The greyness of the scenario is lighted by Sam’s character, a queer boy aged 9 (he does not even know what queerness is, or if he is what he is being labelled) living close to Palmer’s grandmother house with his mother – a drug addict living in a trailer. Shelly, portrayed by actress Juno Temple, is a whole new nuance of realness and pantheism. Shelly’s messy looks, manners, and thick dialect make you feel sorry and hate her at the same exact time. My point is that, to certain viewers – myself included – the abrupt and emotionally intense scenes can be a little bit of a burden.
17 minutes or so in the movie, reason calls for Palmer to stay away from troubles, drinking and the whole spectrum of human feelings, something he will fail to do a couple of times. Day by day, Sam will take an abundant portion of Eddie’s home, time, and hart, even though Palmer is not comfortable to accept it. At this point, we are able to see some pivotal points in the plot and Timberlake’s character, but less in the general tone of the movie.
Palmer is somehow trying to mind his own business – a few camera close ups catch that vibe perfectly – nevertheless he will not put up the massive bulling toward Sam’s queerness. Does he agree with that? NO. Is this an impediment to take care of the boy? Still NO. What comes after this shift in terms of plot is not done in a harsh or ground-breaking manner, rather than giving changeling the characters to take the right way – which they do.
“Palmer” is a gentle drama, a story (it might even be real) told with truthiness and authenticity. The main character’s costumes are as grey and cold as marble, and that is why they add so many layers to the characters. You will mostly see Eddie in his grey footer, the blue uniform at school (he is a janitor, the only job he could get), and some monotonous t-shirts. Anyhow, you do not have to take my word for it, rather than go enjoy those 110 minutes of the movie!
Rate: 2 Oreos [and a bag of M&Ms]/ 3 Oreos.
