Film Review: Palm Springs Freshly Embraces An Ancient Truth – YOLO
Yes, I used a Lonely Island song, YOLO (You Only Live Once) to describe a movie, Palm Springs, that is, technically, about living the same day multiple times. Yet, in typical, comedy fashion, there is always a moral journey. Out July 10 on Hulu, for all the film’s laughs and hijinks, of which leads Andy Samberg as Nyles and Cristin Milioti’s on some seriously crazy misadventures, it is about the value of life, especially kindness towards others, when it all feels the same.
In the beginning, we find Samberg in his bitterest role to date: Nyles. This guy is living in an IDGAF mentality, and it is what makes him, personally, numb and appear charming to Sarah. He does what he wants, says what he thinks, and doesn’t care about anyone, but, eventually, he does care about Sarah. Milioti’s role as Sarah is so raw and relatable. She is 100% about how her family perceives her. In the beginning, her insecurities and worries are palpable; after all, who does NOT want others approach in some fashion. Seeing Nyles appear so disconnected allows her to deeply connect to him, which is why when she becomes the “crazy one,” he learns how to be the one that steps up and cares.
Palm Springs – Trailer (Official) * A Hulu Original Film
The highlight of the film, in both humor and heart, is when Sarah and Nyles are losing theirs minds together. The chemistry between Samberg and Milioti hypnotizes because they feel like they are having the time of their lives together. Moreover, there is an ease and effortlessness to their performance that turns it universal; everyone feels really stuck in the sameness of their day. While quantum physics/ time loops are, probably, not why you feel bored or have a sack of regretful life choices, in some ways, life can feel so routine that you might as well repeat your days. Thus, director Max Barbakow and Andy Siara find so many outlandish laughs in how Nyles and Sarah try to feel revived.
From taking over your sister’s wedding as a pirate to shameless sex encounters, the movie loops in some great scenes of Samberg and Milioti pushing their characters’ to deranged limits. Yet, their “dramatic” acting comes near the end of the film; when tension hits that, perhaps, they truly will be stuck in a time loop forever. Then what? Do you continue mistreating people and deciding to try whatever drug or disrupt a wedding every time or do you invest in the “sameness”? Again, this question is at the characters’ core development with their surrounding family members, which include Camila Mendes’ Tala having a dental emergency, Tyler Hoechlin’s Abe pulling seriously shady antics, and J.K. Simmons as the both terrifying and cool Roy. All in all, Palm Springs is worth a visit for big laughs, a brisk pace, and an importance message: YOLO!
