(Image courtesy of Hulu/Jessica Perez) |
Stuck in a mysterious time loop, two wedding guests, Sarah (Cristin Milioti) and Nyles (Andy Samberg) develop a budding romance whilst stuck living the same day over and over again.
At a time of quarantines and multiple lockdowns, a romantic comedy about being trapped within a evidently infinite time loop frankly could not have come at a better time. Unfortunately for us UK audiences, we had to wait a mere week before our third lockdown was lifted to enjoy it legally. Thankfully, though, the rest of the world and the audience at Sundance were able to reassure us that Palm Springs was a must-see and here's why.
"Today, tomorrow, yesterday - it's all the same" - Nyles (Andy Samberg)
(Image courtesy of Hulu/Jessica Perez) |
The basis of Palm Springs is essentially Harold Ramis' Groundhog Day (1993) - but that's nothing to be sniffed at. Unlike Groundhog Day, however, Palm Springs is set in a sun-kissed desert resort in California. Every morning, a Hawaiian shirt clad Nyles (Samberg) prepares to relive November 9th for the umpteenth time. Stuck in a continuous time loop (in “one of those infinite time-loop situations you may have heard of”), he attends the same wedding over and over; attended by the same guests and accompanied by the same horrendous, obnoxious girlfriend, Misty (Meredith Hagner). His seemingly endless time warp quickly becomes more interesting, however, when sister-of-the-bride, Sarah (Milioti), also becomes entangled in his never-ending timeline. And, as you'd expect from a romantic comedy, hilarity and heart-felt moments ensue through-out.
(Image courtesy of Hulu/Jessica Perez) |
Whilst the narrative may not be the most original, Palm Springs still manages to be refreshing, stylish and funny from start to finish. Besides being pleasing on the eye with it's Instagram-friendly cinematography, a large part of the film's success comes from it's comedy pedigree. Produced by The Lonely Island (whom we can thank for countless memorable SNL sketches, comedy studio albums and Brigsby Bear) and starring Brooklyn Nine Nine's very own leading man, the project was already off to a good start.
Unsurprisingly, Milioti and Samberg are the perfect match, adding to both the hilarity and relatability to the film. Both are fantastic comedic actors who make each bizarre and charming scenario amusing and endearing. From dance-offs in matching denim outfits, to taking on J.K Simmons' character during his ruthless attempts to hunt Nyles, they are an excellent duo with range.
(Image courtesy of Hulu/Jessica Perez) |
(Image courtesy of Hulu/Jessica Perez) |