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Writer's pictureChloe Pollard

Palm Springs | Review


Director: Max Barbakow

Starring: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, Meredith Hagner, Camila Mendes, Tyler Hoechlin, J.K. Simmons

Cert: R

Run Time: 87 mins

Available on: Prime Video



When carefree guest Nyles (Andy Samberg) steps in to save the reluctant maid of honour Sarah (Cristin Milioti) at her sister’s wedding by chance, the pair ends up stuck in a situation neither one can escape. Reliving the same day in a seemingly unending time loop, the two grow closer and become unlikely friends. That is until it all falls apart and neither one will talk to the other. Their chance at escape comes with a chance at redemption and neither one wants to disappoint.


“Why would I want to go back there anyway you know? It’s a world with death and poverty, debilitating emotional distress.”

 

Hulu original Palm Springs was released as an exclusive on Prime Video on April 9th, something UK audiences have been waiting a long time for now. The film was previously only available to watch on Hulu and follows as the stories of two wedding guests intertwine in the most unlikely of scenarios. Nyles (Andy Samberg), a guest, and Sarah (Cristin Milioti), the sister of the bride and reluctant maid of honour meet when he saves her from having to make a speech that she was completely unprepared for. Setting him up as a carefree and cheery character, and her as someone who’s a little lost in life right now, we can immediately see the possible connection between them both. Both appear to disappoint those around them, but maybe all they need is each other?


When the two ditch the wedding party and Nyles is targeted by Roy (J.K. Simmons) - nothing out of the ordinary and nothing to worry about according to him - Sarah follows him to a cave in the middle of nowhere when she’s understandably concerned for his welfare. Nyles crawls back through the cave to reset his day and avoid Roy, telling Sarah not to follow him as he does. Sarah doesn't listen and unknowingly enters the time loop herself, becoming stuck reliving the same day over and over again. She initially tries to figure out an escape plan but when she and Nyles start to get closer, they both enjoy the ironic sense of freedom the confinement gives them. When it's revealed that Nyles lied to her right at the beginning, the two go their separate ways and Sarah once again puts her mind to getting out. Eventually, the two reunite, smooth things over and, armed with an escape theory, make their way back to the cave. After a successful explosion, the two and Roy managed to ditch the time loop but never ditched each other.



Palm Springs was directed by Max Barbakow who has a history of producing material in the dark comedy genre and with producers including Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone as well as Chris Parker, Becky Sloviter and Gabby Revilla Lugo (executive producer) the film was in good hands right from the start and was bound to be hilarious. With the incredible performances given by the cast and crew, the film has seriously earned its eight out of ten rating from us. If dark comedy is your thing then Palm Springs is definitely one you should check out. Andy Samberg is as hilarious and lovable as always and Cristin Milioti’s energy worked exceptionally well alongside him. Both stars were equally lovable throughout the entire film and neither one overshadowed the other.


Amazing casting and creativity from producers and the director make the film seriously entertaining and impossible to look away from. This comes as a highly recommended film from us if you’re in the mood for a good laugh, or even if you’re not it’s sure to get a laugh from you. It’s clear that the screenplay was written by some genuinely funny people which goes a long way in a comedy, none of the jokes feels forced, they all sit well within the context of the film and make it a pleasure to watch.


If like me, you’re in the UK and haven't been able to see Palm Springs until now you’re definitely in for a treat when you watch it! It’s now available to stream on Prime Video and is one hundred per cent worth it! Go give it a watch and let us know what you thought, we’d love to hear your opinions!


'We kind of have no choice but to live. So I think your best bet is just to learn how to suffer existence.”


 

Words by Chloe Pollard.

Trailer and Clip from YouTube - Hulu.

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