Palmer Movie Review: A Story About Acceptance & Second Chances

Palmer is a movie that is about so much more than you might think just from the trailer — it is about second chances and acceptance.

If you have seen the trailer for Palmer and you think you already know what this film is about, think again. Yes, there is a young boy named Sam who prefers to act like a girl, but those of you focusing on that aspect of the movie are going to miss out on a great story if you don’t take the time to watch it. 

I admit, I was interested in Palmer because of Justin Timberlake — but then the trailer sold me. I knew right away this movie was going to have a lot of heart, and I was correct. What I didn’t expect was how much this movie is about acceptance and second chances. 

Sam wants to be accepted for being himself. Who cares what he likes to do and how he likes to act? It makes him happy, and isn’t that all that matters? Eddie Palmer just wants to be accepted for who he is too. Yes, he made a mistake twelve years ago and landed himself in prison, but he did his time and is now working hard to become a good man. And to constantly be judged for his previous actions is just not fair. 

What Worked With Palmer

Probably my favorite thing about Palmer is all the heart that it is filled with. Sam is such a lovable character and I enjoyed watching him express himself on screen. The actor who plays him, Ryder Allen, and Justin Timberlake, who plays Eddie Palmer, have a whole lot of chemistry. As these two characters get to know each other, I genuinely had a good time watching them together. That tea party scene had me cracking up — just wait until you see it!

I am a big fan of the message that this movie portrays as well. People should be accepted for who they are, and given a second chance when they deserve one. As a mom, I have always prided myself on the fact that my daughters know I will love them no matter who they are. I tell them time and time again to embrace who they are — as long as they are happy, who cares what others think.

What Didn’t Work With Palmer

Even when I love a movie, I try to come up with something to critique. This was especially hard with Palmer because I really did love the story, the message, and the movie as a whole. However, coming in at close to two hours I can see where they could have cut the run time down just a little bit.

There is a bit of a love story that honestly, we could have done without. However, I do like what it added to the film, and I think it gave it a little bit more depth. Again, I am totally nitpicking here.

More and more movies are hitting, or exceeding, that two hour mark and I am not a huge fan of it. There is a bit of a lull at the start of the movie as we wait to dive into it all, but I also understand that this was setting us up for what is to come later. 

Overall Thoughts

I am being vague in this review because I really think Palmer is a movie that you should go into with fresh eyes. There are some surprises that I truly feel need to be experienced without knowing what happens ahead of time. This movie is likely not what you think it is — it is a whole lot more. And it is absolutely worth a watch.

Admittedly, there are some moments that are hard to watch. Some involve Sam’s mother Shelley, and one in particular involves one of Palmer’s friends. Just be prepared to feel all kinds of emotions while watching Palmer. There are moments that made me cry, moments that made me furious, and moments that filled me with happiness.

Palmer is a film about love, acceptance, and finding your own family. Justin Timberlake is a powerhouse in this movie, but Ryder Allen steals every single scene he is in.

Check out the best Palmer movie quotes.

About Palmer

After 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer returns home to put his life back together—and forms an unlikely bond with Sam, an outcast boy from a troubled home. But then, Eddie’s past threatens to ruin his new life and family.

Palmer comes to Apple TV+ on January 29th.