Film Review: Palm Springs (2020)

When a film has a unique concept such as Harold Ramis’ 1993 classic Groundhog Day, it naturally should be expected that other films will follow. Either cheaply reenacting the same premise or playing off of it in some way. Where plenty of the time these films feel cheap, trying to capitalize on the idea’s success in the laziest way possible. Some actually go above and beyond exploring the concept in a fresh new matter. Max Barbakow‘s Palm Springs luckily falls into the latter category.

Sarah (Cristin Milioti) is in Palm Springs for her sister’s wedding, when after following a guy named Nyles (Andy Samberg) into a mysterious cave, finds herself living the same day over and over again. It turns out that this is a loop Nyles has been stuck in for quite some time also, and together the two have to figure out what to do. Where living in a time loop has some clear benefits, there are also complications making it torture at times.

REVIEW: Groundhog Day (1993)

Easily it is this exploration of the concept within the screenplay from Andy Siara that is the strongest part of the film. Palm Springs explore this world and the concept of a time loop, and help give it a unique identity from, say, Groundhog Day. Put simply, this is extremely engaging. This is a screenplay that keeps you guessing and finds creative ways – not just to explore the time loop concept – but also deeper themes.

More than just being an engaging sci-fi comedy, Palm Springs is a film with legitimate depth and weight. From loneliness to addiction, there are many different ways one could connect with the film, which is a sign of a truly great film experience. One that goes well above and beyond that of a traditional lazy comedy.

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The acting is one of the major reasons that the film works so well too. Despite already proving himself as an incredible comedic talent in works like Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Palm Springs is yet another great example of the talent that is Andy Samberg. With an incredible amount of charisma, but also the ability to connect in more emotional and quiet scenes with his own sense of charm, Samberg has to be one of the most exciting comedic actors currently working. And each time he has a standout role, more and more discover that.

Where a lot of the attention will go to Samberg – and J.K. Simmons in his own standout supporting role in the film – enough praise cannot be given to Cristin Milioti. In many ways, this is her major breakout feature role and she swallows it whole. Similar to Samberg, Milioti has a certain charm and likeability to her that works in ever scene – whether comedic or dramatic.

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Samberg has a few affecting emotional scenes, but it is Milioti who is given the juiciest scenes and emotions to play with, expressing the haunting effects this situation is having on her. With a film so full of charisma and wit, the power behind the negatives needs to be big to successfully argue against the enjoyment found in this world. And the reason this conversation works in the film is Cristin Milioti.

Palm Springs is easily the hit of the summer so far. With an incredibly smart screenplay and cast, it is a film that not only provides plenty of laughs, but also some legitimate heart and soul. It is a film that stays on your mind long after the runtime ends, and supports rewatches, giving viewers plenty to chew on and appreciate. Being readily available on Hulu, Palm Springs is an easy recommendation for a new release, and has to be considered one of the best films of 2020 so far.