Palmer (2011)
Release Year: 2011
Nation: Luxembourg, United States
Alternative Title: N/A
Director: Fisher Stevens
Writer: Cheryl Guerriero
Production & Genre
Producer: Producer: Charles B. Wessler, John Penotti, Charlie Corwin, Sidney Kimmel, Daniel Nadler, Brent C. Johnson
Co_Producer: Lori Lively
Executive_Producer: Terry Dougas, Bruce Toll, Mark O'Connor, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Jean-Luc De Fanti, Jared Ian Goldman, Cheryl Guerriero
Companies: Hercules Film Fund, Nadler No-GMO Popcorn Company, Rhea Films, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment
Budget: N/A
Awards & Similar
Awards:
Similar:
Keywords
Keywords: adult child friendship, bullied, drug addict, ex-con, guardianship, homophobia, house trailer, irresponsible parent, small town, young boy
Story
After serving 12 years in prison for attempted murder, Eddie Palmer returns to his small-town home, hoping to rebuild his life. He moves in with his grandmother and begins working at a local diner. Meanwhile, young Sam, who lives in a nearby trailer park with his drug-addicted mother and abusive boyfriend, is bullied at school due to his effeminate behavior. When Sam's mother is hospitalized following an overdose, Child Services intervenes, but no suitable guardian can be found for Sam. Seeing an opportunity to help and maybe find some redemption himself, Eddie volunteers to take Sam in temporarily. Despite their initially rocky relationship, Eddie and Sam form a deep bond as they navigate their shared experiences of being outsiders. However, their newfound family is threatened when Eddie's past criminal record resurfaces, putting his guardianship of Sam at risk.
Summary
Palmer (2011) is a heartwarming drama directed by Fisher Stevens that explores themes of redemption, acceptance, and the complexities of family bonds. The film follows recently released ex-convict Eddie Palmer as he returns to his small-town home in Louisiana. Struggling to find his footing, Eddie takes pity on young Sam, a bullied, effeminate boy living in squalor with his drug-addicted mother and abusive boyfriend. When Child Services intervene but can't find a suitable guardian for Sam, Eddie steps up and temporarily takes him in. As they navigate life together, Eddie and Sam form an unlikely friendship that challenges both of their perspectives on family, acceptance, and what it means to be a man. Set against the backdrop of a close-knit yet judgmental small town, Palmer delves into the struggles faced by those who don't fit societal norms, ultimately showing the power of empathy, understanding, and found family.