PALM SPRINGS (2020). HULU’S FUN AND SMART COMEDY. MOVIE REVIEW

Palm Springs begins with what seems like we are in the middle of a story (and it is). Merrily inviting the viewer to enjoy a delicious confusion and discover the reasons for the strange behavior of «Nyles» (Andy Samberg), his relationship with «Sarah» (Cristin Miloti), and the mysterious man who stalks them.

It’s a revamped version of the same theme that was dealt with great success in the classic «Groundhog Day» (Harold Ramis, 1992) but takes it further with the inventive twist of having more than one person trapped in the same time loop. But in Palm Springs, the characters aren’t locked in a small town surrounded by a winter storm. Here they can go anywhere without geographical limitation, the desert surrounding their locations, but waking up again and again in their room every morning inescapably reliving the same day in a seemingly infinite cycle once they fall asleep.

Palm Springs is the first full-length feature film by director Max Barbakow. He accomplishes excellent fluidity in his narrative while and the pace is never slowed down by some recurring flashbacks scenes. Also, Barbakow leads the actors to good performances, highlighting the peculiar chemistry between Samberg and Miloti and the presence of J.K. Simmons with the gravitas that he can grant to his roles.

Exploring new possibilities.

But in reality, what ties it all together is Andy Siara’s excellent original script. His writing has a perfect balance, touching deep existential themes like hopelessness, loneliness, resignation, anxiety, and grief with a great deal of charm and humor. In a fun way, it explores the many possibilities of the situation, positive and negative. Siara skillfully distinguishes diverse circumstances and how the characters can react to them when they find themselves trapped in such a particular position.

Additionally worth mentioning is the exceptional use of the tunes on its soundtrack, enhancing some scenes with songs from artists like Hall & Oates, Genesis, Kate Bush, John Cale, 10,000 Maniacs, and Leonard Cohen.

Trivia:
Broke the record on Hulu for the most viewed release on its first weekend
Andy Siara confirmed that Andy Samberg’s character Nyles was trapped in a time loop for over 40 years.

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