Palm Springs - Max Barbakow - 2020

★★★★★-Released in 2020, Palm Springs, a science fiction romantic comedy, is director Max Barbakow's feature debut. It stars Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti (whom I mostly think of from The Resort), and J.K. Simmons who is great in everything. It's another Groundhog Day inspired flick, the likes of Happy Death Day, Happy Death Day 2U, Edge of Tomorrow, Source Code, so forth. I can name at least half a dozen more. This replaces Happy Death Day as my new favorite. Fantastic film that you should totally watch.

The gist is two individuals encounter each other at a wedding in Palm Springs and subsequently find themselves trapped in a time loop. Nyles (Samberg) is the first to get stuck in the loop after walking into a magic cave, reliving the same day for god knows how long, living a carefree lifestyle until he convinces when Roy (Simmons), a man he parties with at the wedding, goes in as well. Pissed, he occasionally finds Nyles and tortures him. 

One night, after Roy shoots Nyles with an arrow while making out with Sarah (Milioti), the sister of the bride, he goes into the cave which starts the day over. He tells Sarah not to follow him, but she does and also gets stuck in the loop. The pair eventually become close, even sort of falling for each other, but we learn that Sarah starts each day guilt-ridden having slept with her sister's fiancee the night before. She eventually become obsessed with finding a way out of the loop, which involves exploding herself while in the cave. But will it work?

If you are sort of tired of the whole Groundhog Day concept, Palm Springs breathes new life into the idea with its own refreshing uniqueness. Despite its well-worn familiarity, the film manages to be both new and thought-provoking. What really sets it apart, however, is the endearing central relationship between its two leads. Their chemistry and genuine affection for each other are what make this film such a pleasure, IMO. 

Beyond the lighthearted comedy and dance numbers, it delves into some deep and meaningful shit, such as personal trauma, depression, and guilt. Despite these heavy themes, the film strikes a perfect balance between humor and existential dread. By the end, if you're like me, you'll find yourself reflecting on your own life and questioning the nature of existence and what have you. In short, this was a truly exceptional flick that is both highly entertaining and thought-provoking.