Palmer

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2:06

Palmer

R

2021

1h 51m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

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114 Reviews

87%

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1,000+ Ratings

Former high school football star Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake) went from hometown hero to convicted felon, earning himself 12 years in a state penitentiary. He returns home to Louisiana, where he moves back in with Vivian (June Squibb), the grandmother who raised him. While trying to keep his head down and rebuild a quiet life for himself, Palmer is haunted by memories of his glory days and the suspicious eyes of his small town community. Things become more complicated when Vivian’s hard-living neighbor Shelly (Juno Temple) disappears on a prolonged bender, leaving her precocious and unique 7-year-old son Sam (Ryder Allen), often the target of bullying, in Palmer’s reluctant care. In time, Palmer is drawn into a more hopeful world as he forges a connection with Sam through their shared experience of being made to feel different by those around them. Life improves for Palmer, and a romance develops between him and Sam’s teacher Maggie (Alisha Wainwright). An inspiring and unexpected journey unfolds for the three of them, but soon Palmer’s past threatens to tear apart this new life.

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Critics Consensus

Although it traffics in familiar territory, Palmer is elevated by worthy themes and a strong ensemble led by an impressive Justin Timberlake.

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Audience Says

Palmer is a heartfelt film with a moving message of acceptance and a terrific cast -- and Ryder Allen will make you cry.

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Mark Kermode

New Statesman

Much more affected than I expected...I'd like to see more films starring her. Very well-written.

Feb 9, 2021

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Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

To its credit, the film never jumps to glib conclusions about who Sam is or might become. Nor can I doubt that its heart is in the right place, even if there's a degree of hokey sentimentality in the premise.

Rated: 2.5/5

Feb 3, 2021

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Maureen Lee Lenker

Entertainment Weekly

A tender, earnest tale of how love and nurturing can truly change lives.

Rated: B

Feb 1, 2021

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Sukanya Verma

Rediff.com

In this moving melodrama of unlikely bonds, Justin Timberlake plays a former football star and prisoner starting afresh as a school janitor...it's easy to see where this is going but you just don't mind.

Oct 2, 2024

Full Review

Manuel São Bento

MSB Reviews

A heartwarming, enlightening, emotionally compelling story of redemption and self-acceptance. The wonderful bond between Justin Timberlake and Ryder Allen’s characters is the film’s heart and soul.

Rated: A-

Jul 24, 2023

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Akos Peterbencze

Vulnerable Man (Medium)

Sometimes you want to see a specific type of movie with a fitting cast that delivers on its premise the way you imagine. With no, or very few, surprises at all. Old-timer Hollywood veteran Fisher Stevens’ nearly two-hour-long feature does precisely that.

Jul 21, 2023

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Shinu V

This movie is soo good to watch eventhough we get to know what happens in the last !! Justin Timberlake acting was exceptional and the kid too its fun and emotional at the same !! Definitely worth watching

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/09/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Palmer is a heartwarming film with good intentions, but it falls short due to its rushed pacing. Justin Timberlake surprises in the lead role, playing a former convict who becomes the unlikely caregiver to Sam, a boy who just wants to be himself, even if that means dressing up as a princess. You can’t help but root for Palmer’s redemption, and Timberlake makes you care. Juno Temple plays a believable villain, though her character feels more like an obstacle than anything else. The film’s emotional core is centred around the custody battle for Sam and it’s touching, but the ending feels predictable and lacks the emotional impact it could have had. The cinematography and sound design are serviceable but don’t really stand out. Overall, Palmer is enjoyable, but it misses the mark on delivering a truly memorable emotional punch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/08/24

Full Review

J D R

While predictable overall, Timberlake’s acting was beyond what I expected, the themes were great, and the movie was thoroughly heartfelt.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/04/24

Full Review

Calvin O

I loved the way that kid was acting, it was fun 😅 and exhalent 👍

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/23/24

Full Review

brad h

If you want to watch a movie that is 100% going to give you the feels, this is it! I really enjoyed this in every way possible. Very touching indeed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

Full Review

Arlen B

A deeply touching movie about love and acceptance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/30/24

Full Review

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Fisher Stevens

Director

Justin Timberlake

Eddie Palmer

Juno Temple

Shelly

Alisha Wainwright

Maggie

June Squibb

Vivian

Ryder Allen

Sam

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Palmer: Featurette - First Look

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Palmer: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Former high school football star Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake) went from hometown hero to convicted felon, earning himself 12 years in a state penitentiary. He returns home to Louisiana, where he moves back in with Vivian (June Squibb), the grandmother who raised him. While trying to keep his head down and rebuild a quiet life for himself, Palmer is haunted by memories of his glory days and the suspicious eyes of his small town community. Things become more complicated when Vivian’s hard-living neighbor Shelly (Juno Temple) disappears on a prolonged bender, leaving her precocious and unique 7-year-old son Sam (Ryder Allen), often the target of bullying, in Palmer’s reluctant care. In time, Palmer is drawn into a more hopeful world as he forges a connection with Sam through their shared experience of being made to feel different by those around them. Life improves for Palmer, and a romance develops between him and Sam’s teacher Maggie (Alisha Wainwright). An inspiring and unexpected journey unfolds for the three of them, but soon Palmer’s past threatens to tear apart this new life.

Director: Fisher Stevens
Producer: Charlie Corwin, Sidney Kimmel, Daniel Nadler, John Penotti, Charles B. Wessler
Screenwriter: Cheryl Guerriero
Production Co: SK Global, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Rhea Films (II), Hercules Film Fund
Rating: R (Some Sexual Content/Nudity|Language|Brief Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 29, 2021
Runtime: 1h 51m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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