Palmer is a heartwarming drama that tells the story of a former prisoner trying to turn his life around, unexpectedly befriending a neglected young boy. Every day spent together builds a sense of affection and a desire to protect, even leading him to consider taking the child away from his mother. Directed by Fisher Stevens, the specialist in documentary films who also directed Al Pacino in Stand Up Guys (2012), Palmer premiered on Apple TV+ on January 29, 2021. This film, which takes place in New Orleans, stars Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, Alisha Wainwright, June Squibb, and Juno Temple.
Synopsis
The story revolves around Eddie Palmer, who has just been released from prison after serving 12 years of his sentence. He heads to his grandmother Vivian’s house to live there and start a new life. His efforts to get a job are not easy due to his status as a former prisoner. Eventually, he is allowed to work as a custodian at the school. Vivian often takes care of their neighbor’s child, Sam, whose mother neglects him, and whose mother’s boyfriend frequently abuses him. When his mother leaves for an extended period, Sam stays at Vivian’s house and sleeps on the couch. Despite being a boy, Sam loves everything feminine, like a little girl.
Sam’s independence means he does not trouble Vivian and Palmer at all. He is used to waking up early and preparing his own school supplies while waiting for the school bus to pick him up. Initially, Palmer is not happy with Sam’s presence, but he respects his grandmother’s decision. However, one morning, his grandmother passes away suddenly. Palmer’s conscience starts to stir: is he prepared to care for Sam or surrender him to child protection services? Palmer takes him to the police station and discusses it with his friend, Coles. Initially, Palmer wants to leave Sam there, but he eventually changes his mind and takes him back home. From that moment on, their relationship grows closer.
Currently, Sam no longer waits for the school bus; instead, he shares Palmer’s car every morning. Palmer is worried about Sam’s tendency towards femininity, which makes him the target of teasing by his friends. On one occasion, Palmer threatens a student who bullies Sam. His desire to protect Sam grows from that moment on. Palmer is also close to one of the teachers at school, Maggie, who also cares about Sam. After school, Sam is often invited to play at Coles’s family’s house. One day, Sam comes home crying after playing there. Upon hearing Sam’s confession, Palmer immediately pursues Daryl, who performed the shameful act towards Sam and beat him at the bar.
A few days later, Sam’s mother, Shelly, returns home in poor health due to drug use and takes Sam away, planning to move in with Jerry. Palmer is very worried about Sam’s life. He tries to become his guardian but is refused due to his past status. He even loses in court. One day, Palmer witnesses a fight between Shelly and Jerry. He enters their trailer and throws Jerry to the corner, then takes Sam away. Later, Palmer contacts Maggie who advises him to return Sam to his mother. Coles is at her trailer when Palmer returns Sam, and Coles’s father, who is the local sheriff, arrests him for kidnapping.
Seeing that Sam chooses Palmer over her, Shelly then drops her charges against Palmer and hands Sam over to him, making him his official guardian.
Conclusion
Palmer is an engaging tale of an unlikely friendship between two individuals from different walks of life, who share a bond that transcends their age gap. The film’s themes of hope, redemption, and the power of human connection are beautifully portrayed by the actors’ performances. It is a perfect reminder of the need for empathy and kindness in a world where people are often marginalized and forgotten. The film’s message is clear: anyone can contrive a new life for themselves with the right support, and every human deserves love and acceptance.
