Palmer (2021) Movie Review

After serving 12 years in jail, Eddie Palmer, portrayed by Justin Timberlake, is finally free. But as with many individuals who have been released from the criminal justice system, Palmer's homecoming is bittersweet. He feels the anger over the years he has lost, and his relationships have faded away. He wonders if home even feels the same after so long, where neighbors are more likely to gossip behind his back than greet him. He also wonders where he can find work, as no one in town seems willing to give him a second chance. While reconnecting with old childhood friends and living with his grandmother, Vivian, played by June Squibb, Palmer navigates this harsh reality.

Next door to his grandmother's house, lives Shelly, portrayed by Juno Temple, and her young son, Sam, played by Ryder Allen, who become part of Palmer's new life. Shelly is a troubled woman struggling with addiction and soon exits the scene without any word on when or if she would be back. Palmer's story is no longer just his when Sam comes to live with Vivian after his mother's latest disappearance. Palmer reluctantly accepts Sam as the new roommate sleeping in their living room. He tries to figure out the little boy's fascination with princesses and fairies, something a tough guy like him doesn't seem to understand. Eventually, what first looks like macho posturing becomes concern, and Palmer begins defending Sam against bullies of all sizes and sorts.

Palmer's short temper and willingness to turn to reckless actions does bring about some consequences, but it's nothing this tender-hearted drama can't cope with by the end. Despite its rough edges, Fisher Stevens' "Palmer" is a gentle drama. It doesn't delve deeply into Palmer's emotions or mindset, but instead, keeps them closely guarded in Timberlake's gruff performance. He's perhaps almost too tight-lipped, trying on a Clint Eastwood-esque poker face against the world, suspiciously eyeing most people in town except Vivian. It's sometimes tough to stay onboard with such a distant character.

However, Sam is an absolute joy in the movie's sadder notes. Through Stevens' direction and Tobias A. Schliessler's cinematography, the movie feels brightest when Sam and his pink dresses and his fairy toys fight against Palmer's drab perspective. At the beginning of the movie, everything feels colorless and forlorn, and even Vivian's house feels darkened at times. But Sam is a counterbalance, both in spirit and presence.

Despite the many tensions at play in Cheryl Guerriero's script, something about the movie doesn't quite leap off the page. Perhaps it's Palmer's sweet but slightly stilted romance with Sam's teacher, Maggie Hayes, portrayed by Alisha Wainwright. Maybe it's Vivian's all-too-brief role, which deprives the audience of Squibb's righteous character, who chides her grandson for making them late to church but refuses to apologize at first when she's in the wrong. Her dedication to her congregation plays a major role in the film but feels like an afterthought.

In conclusion, "Palmer" is a heartfelt drama that explores themes of redemption, acceptance, and the bonds of family. The movie takes a nuanced approach to its portrayal of its characters, particularly in the complex relationships between Palmer, Sam, and the other people in their lives. The movie's strengths lie in its touching portrayal of the bond that develops between Palmer and Sam, and the way it explores the challenges and prejudices that ex-convicts face when trying to reintegrate into society.