Palmer is a 2021 American drama film, directed by Fisher Stevens and starring Justin Timberlake, which premiered on Apple TV+ on January 29, 2021.
This film is about Eddie Palmer, a high school football star and felon who is released from prison, and lives with his grandmother, Vivian, who watches over a flamboyant little boy named Sam who is the neighbor.
Vivian shortly dies afterwards, and Palmer now has to take care of Sam. Palmer at first is annoyed by Sam's lifestyle but eventually bonds with the boy and slowly starts to accept him in the small town they live in, in the South, and also building a relationship with Sam's teacher Maggie.
Tropes in this film include:
- Berserk Button:
- Palmer at first when Sam does feminine things.
- Palmer when someone abuses or hurts Sam in any way.
- Celebrity Star: Justin Timberlake as Palmer.
- Cheerful Child: Sam of course.
- Deep South: This film takes place in a small town in Louisiana.
- Does This Remind You of Anything?: Does it ever. This is film is one big metaphor to a father, or any parent attempting to accept their child's alternative lifestyle.
- The Dreaded Pretend Tea-Party: Palmer has to attend a Tea party with Sam, his friend, and her mother Lucille.
- Jerkass:
- Palmer at first on Sam's flamboyant personality and lifestyle.
- The majority of the people living in the town except for Maggie.
- Moment of Weakness: When Palmer takes matters into his own hands and goes into the trailer to save Sam from being abused by his mom's abusive boyfriend.
- Please, Don't Leave Me: Palmer being arrested at first and Sam begging for the to let him go as he gets driven away after being accused of kidnapping him.
- Took a Level in Badass: Palmer towards the end when he saves Sam from being psychically assaulted.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Vivian, the grandmother of Palmer dies very shortly in a couple scenes after she is introduced.
- What Happened to the Mouse?: Daryl and Palmer's friends are never seen again after Palmer confronts the guys for tormenting Sam.
- "Well Done, Son" Guy: The very last scene is Sam being accepted in the fairy club, and thus revealing that Palmer has accepted the boy at last.
- Would Hurt a Child: Some of Palmer's friends, especially Daryl. Which Palmer punches him in person as revenge for tormenting Sam.
- Played with with Palmer himself. He manhandles one of the kids who was giving Sam trouble, but later admits that he would only beat up the people who pick on Sam who are over 30.
