Palm Springs – Movie Reviews by Ry!
Palm Springs – Forever in the Desert: Life, Love and Folly
Within stories old, a great retelling is all in the writing. This is true for any medium, including film. No matter the recycling methods, a well written script can provide the building block of a great escape. With unique storytelling and relative characters, this original Hulu comedy puts fun in the familiar. Palm Springs may use old ideas, but it is a fun ride through time.
When Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) have a chance encounter, it leads to unforeseen circumstances. In a cycle of present, past and future, they must find a way to get out or live the same day forever. In this comedy of frenetic situational humor and blunt dialogue, the central pillar of the outline is the plot device of time. Referred to as the ‘Groundhog Day’ effect, it provides the foundation for the characters, settings and key incident. We are first introduced to Nyles, a free-spirited individual who is enjoying his time at the Palm Spring’s wedding. His antics leads him to encountering Sarah, the maid-of-honor. Through some convenient plot devices, Sarah gets trapped in the same day with Nyles. Faced with this dilemma (key incident), they start to test the rules of their entrapment to survive the monotony. Through folly of circumstance, the driving force of the comedy is the relationship between Nyles and Sarah. The charm in their contrasting personalities brings heart to their current situation, providing layers to choices and existentialism. The reflection of sameness allows for characterization of their past to open new problems that may never have solvency (to a degree). At a crossroads of conscience and folly, Nyles and Sarah are faced with a choice of what is really is the meaning of worth.
As the story continues, things become unveiled that bring in a dramatic turn to the comedic surface. Seeing the ultimate consequence of repetition, it brings about circumstantial things that really matter to Nyles and Sarah. This brings a uniqueness to the familiar trope, bringing about the relativity of choice. This puts a sensible mirror towards their life, creating a prudent scenario of importance. This leads to a climax that brings closure, bringing a fulfillment that is welcomed. Palm Springs shows that great writing can go beyond the recycling of tropes. If you are a fan of trapped in time stories, this is a comedy for you. It is available on Hulu, but this would be a fun time at the theaters.
Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)