Palm Springs

I got myself a free trial of Hulu on Thursday. I'll keep it past the trial to see whatever else awaits. My first review from Hulu, and 600th overall, is last summer's comedy, Palm Springs. It's not a long movie, so let's hurry up and review it.

November 9th, the day of her sister's wedding. Sarah Wilder (Cristin Milioti) is the alcoholic maid of honor. But then she meets Nyles (Andy Samberg), the boyfriend of one of her sister's bridesmaids. Sparks fly until suddenly, arrows fly. Somebody's out to get Nyles. Nyles escapes into a weird, glowing cave and Sarah does too...

November 9th, the day of her sister's wedding. Sarah realizes she's been through this before. Nyles confirms they are now in a time loop. Sarah decides to get unstuck in time; after all, she has better things to do than live today tomorrow. But everything she does lands her back at square one. A little quantum physics might save the day.

Andy Siara's screenplay gives Nyles and Sarah plenty of wacky time-loop escapades. There's a fake pirate attack at the wedding, a doomed flight aboard a small plane and dangerous driving. It's delightfully absurd stuff. It also gives Nyles and Sarah multiple tries to confront their screwed-up lives. Not a moment is wasted during 90 minutes as they try to better themselves. It's rewarding to see them finally escape the time loop together. How they do that I won't say.

A similar arc is given to Nyles' arch-enemy, Roy (JK Simmons). He's the one who shot Nyles with arrows at the start. He kills Nyles in increasingly absurd ways throughout the time loop. And he also has his own issues to work out. One of the best scenes is when he and Nyles make peace at his home. Sure, it ends with Nyles getting an arrow in the chest, but it was necessary. How they became enemies in the first place is hilarious.

Overall, Palm Springs is a great fantastical comedy. Its leads are great, its antagonist is likable and the pace never lacks speed. It maybe the best time loop comedy in a while. It's ready for you once you get Hulu. It's an easy way to spend the night, over and over again.