directed by Fisher Stevens
That’s the kind of drama I personally love. I mean, I generally enjoy drama, even in life, and especially when it doesn’t consider me so I can be just an observer with popcorn. However, “Palmer” is one of those productions that are simple, yet they hit hard with their messages. We get to know Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake), who’s just got out of prison. As he has no life options, he starts living with his grandma Vivian (June Squibb) and tries to get back on track with everything. Unfortunately, it’s horribly difficult for him to regain his social status or find a job as nobody wants an employee with such background. In the meantime, Eddie gets to know Sam (Ryder Allen), a boy that keeps coming to Vivian and spends a lot of time in their house. Vivian kind of treats him like her own grandson, especially since the boy doesn’t receive much attention or love from his parents. His mother Shelly (Juno Temple) is a drug addict and often disappears leaving Sam alone. One day Vivian passes away and Eddie decides to keep supporting Sam as he’s not only struggling with his own family, but also with his sexuality. The child doesn’t really follow social “norms” and prefers more feminine objects, toys and clothes, which leads to problems at school and with his friends. Personally, I’m getting a lot of thoughts from this production. First of all, only people who are left alone and without support will understand others like them. And, paradoxically, they are the ones who will help each other the most. Second, we’re living in a big system that doesn’t care about individuals, it cares about not caring, to be honest. We judge people with black or white, yes or no questions, while all they need is a bit of attention and personal approach. Third, sometimes, no matter how badly we want to change the world, we just have to let it be. Let it be and take care of ourselves. Because, unfortunately, karma doesn’t always work, or not immediately. If we dedicate ourselves to another person, perhaps nobody will dedicate themselves to us at the same time. It’s important to take actions, indeed, but sometimes the best option is to wait for a better moment in life. And that’s why I like films like “Palmer”, because you may think it’s a simple production, but it seriously crashes you from the inside. And may I just say that I’m glad to see more Juno Temple? Of course I may and I’m saying it. She’s a very good actress and I hope she’ll keep appearing in next films.
My rating: 7/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 