Palmer
A newly released ex-con finds an unexpected path toward responsibility and acceptance while caring for a bullied nonbinary child in a hostile small town.
Overview
A recently released ex-con finds redemption and unexpected friendship in a small town.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- melancholic
- sincere
- intimate
- reflective evening
- quiet weekend
What critics said
Critics generally found Palmer conventional and predictable, but credited its worthy themes and strong ensemble led by Justin Timberlake.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Eddie Palmer returns to his small town after twelve years in prison and must confront his violent past while becoming a dependable guardian figure for Sam.
Palmer and Sam gradually give each other permission to belong outside the expectations imposed by an irresponsible parent and hostile community.
Sam is bullied for gender-nonconforming behavior, while the surrounding community pressures Palmer to reject the child rather than accept him.
Palmer's developing friendship and guardianship of Sam are the concrete forces that reconnect him with empathy and purpose.
Films like Palmer, and why
The Straight Story
Shared redemption drama structure, small-town setting, and emotionally guarded adult forming a transformative bond with a vulnerable child.
The Blind Side
Shared themes of unconventional guardianship, acceptance, and an outsider-child relationship rendered in a warm but emotionally serious drama.
The Cider House Rules
Shared focus on a troubled adult finding purpose through caregiving, with grounded social themes and an uplifting emotional register.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Shared small-town drama, homophobia-related social conflict, and a sincere emphasis on acceptance and chosen family.
Movie Details
- Director
- Fisher Stevens
- Release Date
- 2021-01-28
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 8.1 / 10 (1983)
Cast
- Justin Timberlake
- Ryder Allen
- Juno Temple
- Alisha Wainwright
- June Squibb
- Dean Winters
- Wynn Everett
- Jesse C. Boyd
- Charmin Lee
- Jake Brennan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Apple TV, Apple TV Amazon Channel
- 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 Palmer about?
- A newly released ex-con finds an unexpected path toward responsibility and acceptance while caring for a bullied nonbinary child in a hostile small town.
- What is Palmer like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Palmer as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Palmer violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Palmer as mild.
- What did critics think of Palmer?
- Critics generally found Palmer conventional and predictable, but credited its worthy themes and strong ensemble led by Justin Timberlake.
- Which films are like Palmer?
- Films with a similar feel include The Straight Story, The Blind Side, The Cider House Rules, and The Miseducation of Cameron Post.
- How long is Palmer?
- Palmer runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Palmer?
- In United States, Palmer streams on Apple TV, Apple TV Amazon Channel.
