[Review] Palmer(2021) {7/10}

Directed by Fisher Stevens from a screenplay by Cheryl Guerriero, the film stars Justin Timberlake (Eddie Palmer), Juno Temple (Shelly Burdette), Alisha Wainwright (Maggie Hayes), June Squibb (Vivian Palmer) and Ryder Allen (Sam Burdette).

The plot follows Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake) has just been released from prison on parole. A former high school football star, he made some poor decisions but is now returning to his small Louisiana hometown to start fresh. He shows up at the home of his grandmother, Vivian (June Squibb), who makes him go to church, and he soon lands a job as a school janitor. Living across from Vivian are the troubled Shelly (Juno Temple), her abusive boyfriend, and her sweet child, Sam (Ryder Allen). Shelly suddenly takes off, and Vivian starts looking after Sam. But then Palmer finds himself in charge of Sam, who's gender nonconforming. The two have a rocky start, but they grow closer, and Palmer eventually realizes that he'd like to be Sam's guardian. But what will happen when Shelly returns?

It's familiar material, but Fisher Stevens' fine drama proceeds with care and compassion, using excellent performances to help create a moving, thoughtful, and inclusive experience. There have been dozens of movies about plucky kids who help grumpy adults become better people from Charlie Chaplin's The Kid to Driveways but Palmer does the old chestnut proud. Timberlake's Palmer appears to be shielding himself against pain, with his jaw jutted out. But he's also full of regret and gratitude and willing to do whatever it takes to become a better person. His first scene with Squibb effortlessly draws smiles and sets the movie's tone. Young Allen (8 years old at the time of the movie's release) makes his feature film acting debut with absolute confidence and openness, quickly creating a believable bond with Timberlake. He carries Sam's gender identity with beautiful grace and empathy. The rest of the cast is also impressive; there's not a weak link anywhere. Director Stevens is, of course, a veteran character actor himself (perhaps best known for Short Circuit), as well as an Oscar winner (for producing the documentary The Cove), and he clearly brings his long experience to Palmer. He creates a vivid, logical small-town environment, where things may be a little grayish and stuck, but they're not without hope.

Palmer is now available on Apple TV+