Palmer (film)

Palmer is a 2021 American drama film directed by Fisher Stevens and written by Cheryl Guerriero. It stars Justin Timberlake as a former college football star, now an ex-convict, who starts to mentor a young boy (Ryder Allen); Alisha Wainwright, June Squibb, and Juno Temple also star. It was digitally released by Apple TV+ on January 29, 2021. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances while noting its familiarity.

Palmer
Official release poster
Directed byFisher Stevens
Produced by
Written byCheryl Guerriero
Starring
Music byTamar-kali
CinematographyTobias A. Schliessler
Edited byGeoffrey Richman
Production
companies
Distributed byApple TV+
Release date
  • January 29, 2021 (2021-01-29)
Running time
110 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$6.7 million[1]

Plot

Eddie Palmer is a former high school football star who just got out of prison after 12 years. He lives with his grandmother Vivian, who also occasionally watches over a flamboyant young boy named Sam.

Palmer eventually begins working at the local school as a janitor, and after Vivian passes away is forced to become Sam's temporary guardian with his mom Shelly constantly leaving town. Palmer takes Sam to the high school football game and bowling fundraiser, striking up a relationship with Sam’s teacher, Maggie.

One day Sam comes home crying after getting roughed up by some of his classmates' fathers for wearing makeup, and Palmer beats one of them up at a bar. Shelly returns to reclaim Sam, but he is then taken by Child Protective Services. Palmer attempts to receive guardianship, but is denied due to his parole status. Temporarily returned to Shelly, Sam is shoved by her abusive boyfriend Jerry during a fight, and Palmer takes him. Shelly refuses to press charges and chooses to give Palmer parental custody over Sam.

Cast

Production

The screenplay first appeared on the 2016 Black List.[2] In September 2019, it was announced Justin Timberlake was cast to star as Eddie Palmer, with Fisher Stevens directing from a screenplay written by Cheryl Guerriero.[3] In October 2019, Alisha Wainwright was cast, as well as Ryder Allen the following month.[4][5]

Principal photography took place in New Orleans from November 9 to December 13, 2019.[6] The film's score was composed by Tamar-kali.[7][8]

Release

In July 2020, Apple TV+ acquired distribution rights to the film,[2] and released it on their service on January 29, 2021.[9]

Palmer had the second-biggest film launch for the platform, and third-biggest overall. It was also part of a 33% increase in viewership in its opening weekend, setting a new record for Apple TV+.[10]

Reception

According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 76% of 84 critics gave the film a positive review, with an average rating of 6.2/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Although it traffics in familiar territory, Palmer is elevated by worthy themes and a strong ensemble led by an impressive Justin Timberlake."[11] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 53 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[12]

David Ehrlich of IndieWire gave the film a grade of B– and wrote: "The little things go a long way in something this broad, and while Palmer isn't much of a tear-jerker — more of a cheek-moistener, at best — it's telling that the film's most touching moments don't stem from how Palmer and Sam have changed so much as they do from the permission they've given each other to be themselves. Palmer isn't exactly high art, but it's no small feat for something so predictable to avoid feeling dishonest."[13] Benjamin Lee of The Guardian gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, saying: "Despite the flashes of something more challenging, Palmer is a film content to play it safe (his true road to redemption is to slot himself into a ready-made nuclear family), a truly whelming experience that wants you to desperately feel everything from tears to joy."[14]

References
  1. "Initial Certification Search" (Type "Palmer" in the search box). Fastlane NextGen. Archived from the original on June 15, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  2. McNary, Dave (July 15, 2020). "Justin Timberlake Drama 'Palmer' Bought by Apple". Variety. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  3. D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 5, 2019). "Justin Timberlake To Star In Fisher Stevens' SK Global Drama Feature 'Palmer'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  4. N'Duka, Amanda (October 18, 2019). "'Shadowhunters' & 'Raising Dion' Actress Alisha Wainwright Joins Justin Timberlake In 'Palmer' Drama". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  5. Ray-Ramos, Dino (November 11, 2019). "Ryder Allen Joins Justin Timberlake's 'Palmer'; 'Sneaky Pete's Libe Barer Set For 'Slapface'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  6. "Palmer". Film New Orleans. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  7. "Palmer". Niles Luther. August 18, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  8. "Tamar-kali Brown". Allegro Talent Group. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  9. "Palmer". Apple TV+ Press. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  10. Fleming Jr, Mike (February 1, 2021). "Justin Timberlake Drama 'Palmer' & 'CODA' Deal Drive Exceptional Weekend For Apple". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  11. "Palmer (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  12. "Palmer Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  13. Ehrlich, David (January 25, 2021). "'Palmer' Review: Justin Timberlake Is an Ex-Con Who Befriends an Abandoned Little Boy in Sweet Drama". IndieWire. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  14. Lee, Benjamin (January 25, 2021). "Palmer review – Justin Timberlake aims for redemption in familiar drama". The Guardian. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
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