by Shane Conto
Who doesn’t enjoy a story of an unlikely bond between two people, so different, that you would never expect it? This “Odd Couple” idea is a familiar story we have seen in film for a very long time…even as far back as the actual The Odd Couple. They could be romantic couplings, friendships, or even parental. Apple TV+ has their new drama coming to their streaming service that focuses on the latter. Even the cast of this film can be seen as a bit of an odd couple between actor and character. Who would think to cast Justin Timberlake as a blue-collar southern man who just got out of prison? But what happens when a felon fresh out of prison becomes the caregiver for a young boy who loves to dress as princesses and try on make-up? You get Palmer.
Who is behind the camera on this new drama trying to make this odd pairing work?
Fisher Stevens of course! Stevens is a talented and under-the-radar character actor who has recently lent his talents to the likes of Succession, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Hail Caesar! Stevens has a solid amount of experience directing at this point and this is one of his larger efforts. Along with his cinematographer, Tobias A. Schliessler, Stevens brings some inspired framing and movement to the camera that give the film a little technical flair. But what matters most is that this drama delivers on pace and tone. In general, the film has a consistent tone that has some humor but is based in a story that has some weight in it. There are definitely sad and frustrating moments but you still have that sense of hope that everything will work out in the end. For a film that pushes close to the two-hour mark, Palmer moves along well and still gives plenty of time to flesh out the main players.
Does the screenplay from writer Cheryl Guerriero bring as much life to the story?
The most important aspect of this film is the two core characters that make up this unexpected paternal bond. Palmer is a solid lead who embodies a man who is good at heart but made some mistakes (which is explained in some standard expositional dialogue). The refreshing thing about Palmer is that he might not always understand what this young boy, Sam, is doing due to his own preconceived notions of masculinity but is open and understanding enough to be supportive. Speaking of Sam, this is such a fun character. He is sassy and confident in himself even when others try to push him down or question him. The film presents a timeless story that has been done plenty of times before and even the plot points are very familiar. What makes the film move above those tropes is the fact that the messages of acceptance and what it means to be a parent feel so meaningful.
But what about the actors who bring these characters to life?
First off, Timberlake is an interesting case. I believed his emotion and frustration. Overall, his performance is relatively understated. There are moments that his performance does not feel believable…especially when he tries to be intimidating. Does he embody someone who has spent over a decade in prison? Not really. The real MVP here is certainly Ryder Allen who plays Sam. His charming and confident performance builds great sympathy for his trials and makes him quite endearing. June Squibb is pitch perfect as Timberlake’s grandmother and the incredibly talented Juno Temple is so committed to the role of Sam’s drug abusing mother. One performance that is interesting is Alisha Wainwright who portrays Sam’s teacher and Palmer’s budding love interest. Wainwright is charming and sincere but the character can feel a little too perfect.
Will you be checking out Palmer when it graces the selection menu of Apple TV+?
You definitely should! Is this film going to surprise you? Probably not. Will it provide a meaningful experience that might tug at your heartstrings? Certainly. Check out this charming little drama, Palmer, which is a fine addition to the Apple TV+ library.
Grade: B