Palmer
Movie Trailer
Release Date
January 29, 2021
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Justin Timberlake as Eddie Palmer
- Ryder Allen as Sam
- Alisha Wainwright as Maggie Hayes
- Juno Temple as Shelly
- June Squibb as Vivian Palmer
- Dean Winters as Jerry
- Jesse C. Boyd as Coles
- Lance E. Nichols as Sibs
Director
Fisher Stevens
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Before the Flood (2016)
- Stand Up Guys (2012)
- The Cove (2009) (Producer)
Producer
Sidney Kimmel
John Penotti
Charlie Corwin
Daniel Nadler
Charles B. Wessler
Writer
Cheryl Guerriero
Budget
$7 million (estimated)
Production Company
SK Global
Rhea Films
Apple TV+
Running Time
110 minutes
Languages
English (Original)
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Some violence
- Mature themes related to addiction and abuse
Movie Story
Palmer is a heartfelt drama that tells the story of Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake), a former high school football star who returns to his small Louisiana hometown after serving 12 years in prison. Upon his release, Palmer is determined to rebuild his life and stay out of trouble, moving in with his grandmother, Vivian (June Squibb), who raised him.
Palmer’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Sam (Ryder Allen), a sensitive and effeminate young boy who lives next door with his neglectful mother, Shelly (Juno Temple). Sam is often bullied for his nonconformity and struggles with the lack of support at home. When Shelly abandons Sam, Palmer reluctantly becomes his caretaker, a role that initially seems overwhelming for the tough, reserved ex-convict.
As Palmer and Sam grow closer, Palmer begins to see the world differently, learning to open his heart and embrace the responsibility of being a father figure. Sam, in turn, finds safety, support, and understanding in Palmer, despite the societal pressures and prejudices they both face in their conservative community.
Throughout the film, Palmer’s past continues to haunt him, as he struggles with the stigma of being an ex-convict and the challenges of living a straight life. He finds a source of hope and redemption in his relationship with Sam, but also in Maggie (Alisha Wainwright), Sam’s kind-hearted teacher who recognizes Palmer’s potential to be a positive influence in Sam’s life. As Palmer steps into his new role, he also faces the threat of losing Sam when Shelly returns, forcing him to fight for the boy he has come to love as his own.
Palmer is a story of redemption, family, and the power of unconditional love. The film explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the importance of standing up for those who are different. Justin Timberlake delivers a powerful performance as Palmer, showcasing his range as an actor, while Ryder Allen shines as Sam, bringing depth and authenticity to the role of a child who just wants to be himself.
Special Effects
Palmer is a character-driven drama that focuses on its narrative and performances rather than special effects. The film’s strength lies in its realistic portrayal of small-town life, with the production design and cinematography capturing the rural setting and the intimate, often challenging, world in which the characters live. The emphasis is on creating an authentic atmosphere that allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story.
Box Office Performance
Palmer was released on Apple TV+ and did not have a traditional theatrical release, so box office performance is not applicable. The film was well-received by audiences and critics, with particular praise for the performances of Justin Timberlake and Ryder Allen. It became one of the most-watched original films on Apple TV+ shortly after its release, resonating with viewers for its emotional depth and heartfelt story.
Filming Locations
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You know, you and me, we’re a lot alike. We’re both different.” – Palmer
- “Someday you’re gonna have to decide who you are. Don’t let nobody make that decision for you.” – Palmer
- “He’s not just a kid. He’s my friend.” – Sam
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Fisher Stevens, known for his work in both documentaries and narrative films, brought a grounded and empathetic approach to Palmer. The casting of Justin Timberlake as the lead was a deliberate choice to bring depth and complexity to the character, showing a different side of Timberlake’s acting abilities. The chemistry between Timberlake and young actor Ryder Allen was central to the film’s success, with both actors spending time together off-set to build a genuine bond. The film’s setting in Louisiana provided an authentic backdrop that added to the film’s emotional realism.
Awards
- Nominated for Best Actor (Justin Timberlake) at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Television Awards
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Ryder Allen) at the 2021 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
- Nominated for Best Original Score at the 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards
Final Verdict
Palmer is a touching and powerful drama that explores themes of redemption, acceptance, and the importance of family, even when that family is unconventional. Justin Timberlake gives one of his strongest performances to date, while Ryder Allen delivers a breakout performance that adds heart and authenticity to the film. Palmer is a film that resonates on an emotional level, offering a poignant look at the challenges of overcoming one’s past and the transformative power of love and acceptance. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories with depth and heart.
IMDb Rating
7.3/10