Palo Alto
In Palo Alto, tentative desire and reckless partying expose the loneliness beneath a group of California teenagers' seemingly ordinary adolescence.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- wistful
- intimate
- melancholic
- quiet evening
- indie film night
What critics said
Critics generally viewed Gia Coppola's debut as a compassionate and visually accomplished portrait of teenage life, while noting its drifting, underdeveloped plot.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Critics specifically praised Gia Coppola's cool compositions and the contrast between Emma Roberts's luminous presence and bland pastel-colored surroundings.
April's uncertainty, Teddy's unspoken affection, and Emily's compulsive sexual behavior are presented with naturalness and compassion.
April's illicit flirtation with her soccer coach Mr. B places an older authority figure inside her already uncertain romantic and sexual life.
The plot moves from one high school party to the next while April, Teddy, Emily, and Fred's intersecting experiences gradually intensify.
Films like Palo Alto, and why
The Spectacular Now
shared coming of age drama, adolescent alienation, sexual uncertainty, and naturalistic suburban atmosphere
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
shared intimate teen drama, aimless parties, emotional vulnerability, and bittersweet adolescent friendships
The Myth of the American Sleepover
shared sexually charged coming of age story, drifting youth, and melancholic suburban mood
Kids
shared ensemble teen angst, reckless parties, and emotionally detached suburban adolescence
Movie Details
- Director
- Gia Coppola
- Release Date
- 2014-05-09
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (929)
Cast
- Emma Roberts
- Jack Kilmer
- Nat Wolff
- James Franco
- Zoe Levin
- Val Kilmer
- Keegan Allen
- Chris Messina
- Margaret Qualley
- Colleen Camp
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Palo Alto about?
- In Palo Alto, tentative desire and reckless partying expose the loneliness beneath a group of California teenagers' seemingly ordinary adolescence.
- What is Palo Alto like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Palo Alto as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Palo Alto violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Palo Alto as mild.
- What did critics think of Palo Alto?
- Critics generally viewed Gia Coppola's debut as a compassionate and visually accomplished portrait of teenage life, while noting its drifting, underdeveloped plot.
- Which films are like Palo Alto?
- Films with a similar feel include The Spectacular Now, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Myth of the American Sleepover, and Kids.
- How long is Palo Alto?
- Palo Alto runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Palo Alto?
- In United States, Palo Alto is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
