Previously reviewed at Sundance 2020
PLOT: Two strangers (Andy Samberg & Cristin Milioti) attending a wedding in Palm Springs find themselves stuck in an infinite time loop and forced to relive the same day over and over.
REVIEW: I imagine that some of our readers cringed reading that synopsis. The time loop thing has been done – well – with GROUNDHOG DAY still a classic and “Russian Doll” recently tinkering with the formula in a creative way that justified it being a similar take. Perhaps the makers of PALM SPRINGS knew this, with the program description not revealing the premise, even though it's revealed almost immediately in the film, and is the movie’s entire raison d'être.
So, if the same premise has been done before, what makes PALM SPRINGS worth your time? Simple, it’s never been done through the lens of The Lonely Island and while it maybe doesn’t score any points for originality, it’s a frequently hilarious indie comedy that should find plenty of appreciative viewers now that Neon and Hulu have shelled out $15 million for the rights.
Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti are ideally cast as our charismatic heroes, and their romantic chemistry is spot on. Both are essentially cast to type, with Samberg the funny man child, while Milioti is more brooding. The only twist is that when we pick up the film Samberg’s been in the loop for a while now, so rather than go on and on with experimenting on ways to leave the loop, he just explains things to Milioti and they get on with it. Suffice to say, sparks fly but their chemistry and the vibe is infectious.
Like BRIGSBY BEAR, this is “The Lonely Island Classics” meaning it has more of an indie flavor than their (great) POPSTAR, with more of an emotional grounding than the all out satire of their other work. Even still, it’s side-splittingly hilarious at times, as the two find ways to keep disrupting the wedding they’re both attending (he’s dating a bride’s maid, she’s the bride’s screw-up big sister). What’s interesting is that the time loop aspect is made to be secondary here, with the emphasis being on their growing relationship as the two gradually get to know each other over a period that likely stretches into years and years.
While Samberg and Milioti are the film’s heart and soul, there are some pretty nifty supporting turns, including Peter Gallagher as the bride’s dad, Dale Dickey, and best of all J.K. Simmons as a hard-partying guest who gets to a little too well-acquainted with their predicament. Everyone seems like they’re having fun (especially Simmons who always goes all-in when he does comedy) and the vibe is infectious. Samberg’s persona is well-established at this point, and both him and Milioti are a charming, fun-loving pair. He brings out a funnier side in her, while, on the other hand, his game is elevated by her clear commitment to the emotional side of the premise, with it not being afraid to committing 100% to the love story at the film’s heart.
It’s the first feature for director Max Barbakow, and he gives it a light, fresh and funny vibe with some great needle drops, including a favorite of mine, “The Brazilian” by Genesis. Streaming is likely the perfect place to drop a movie like this and if handled properly, I can see it turning into Hulu’s first real pop culture hit as far as their movies go. It’s a nice little rom-com with a sci-fi twist and an anarchic edge that livens things up now and then. It’s not the best time loop movie ever made, but it’s entertaining enough that the lack of originality won’t really bother you.