Fix: weddings, comedies, rom-coms, quantum physics, Andy Samberg, insane chemistry, Groundhog Day, dance numbers
Platforms: Hulu
Hulu Summary:
When carefree Nyles and reluctant maid of honor Sarah have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, things get complicated when they find themselves unable to escape the venue, themselves, or each other.
FYA Summary:
Sarah is none too thrilled to be the maid of honor at her sister’s destination wedding in Palm Springs, but she’s here, and she’s dealing accordingly: by getting drunk and hooking up with weirdo wedding guest, Nyles. But when their Joshua Tree hook-up goes awry and Sarah follows Nyles into a cave, she finds herself caught in one of those infinite time loop situations, forced to relive her sister’s wedding day over and over and over again with a guy she had an awkward almost-hook-up with. The problem? Nyles has been stuck in this loop even longer. MUCH longer. And he has completely given up hope of ever finding his way out.
Familiar Faces:
Andy Samberg as Nyles
Andy is basically America’s Sweetheart at this point. And if you aren’t head-over-heels in love with him before watching this film, you will absolutely be afterward. We know him from SNL and his Lonely Island videos, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine and lots of other stuff, but his turn as Nyles really drives home the way Andy is capable of being funny without being mean, charming, sweet, and cute. What I am saying is: make him the star of all rom-coms henceforth. I will not be taking questions at this time.
Cristin Milioti as Sarah
Most people probably recognize Cristin as “the mother” from How I Met Your Mother which I will refrain from commenting on, and instead direct you to that one episode of Mythic Quest where she and Jake Johnson nearly set your TV ablaze with chemistry. The thing is: I think maybe Cristin Milioti can have incredible chemistry with just about anyone. She and Andy are perfectly paired here and her earring game is PHENOMENAL.
JK Simmons as Roy
There’s only one other person (we think) living in this infinite timeloop: Roy, a cop who is trying his hardest to enact revenge on Nyles. JK brings his usual brand of scary to the role (think his drum teacher character in Whiplash), in a funny way, of course. He’s got a complicated relationship with Nyles because he hates him, but they’re the only two people on earth who understand what the other is feeling until Sarah arrives.
Tyler Hoechlin and Camila Mendes as Abe and Tala
Mr. Teen Wolf Superman and Ms. Veronica Lodge play Sarah’s sister Tala and her groom Abe. I’m lumping them together because their roles in the film are minimal but important, seeing as their wedding is what starts this whole ordeal in the first place. You don’t really get to know either of them enough for their parts to have any depth, they’re just two pretty people marrying each other, as they should.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Super High
This is one of those rare rom-coms that people who aren’t into rom-coms will still enjoy. It’s got this incredibly nuanced story about learning to love and accept yourself, starring two people who have such insane chemistry that you can’t help but hold your breath waiting for them to JUST KISS ALREADY. But it’s also laugh-till-you-cry funny in a way we’ve all come to expect from the Lonely Island crew. It’s learning-quantum-physics-to-escape-a-time-loop silly, but still a heartfelt story that will punch you in your feelings a few times.
And did I mention there’s a choreographed dance number?
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Viewer’s Choice
I was nursing a canned margarita the night we watched Palm Springs. It’s my go-to lazy cocktail of choice! But did I need to be drunk to enjoy this movie? Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, there’s a lot of good stuff to miss if you’re not paying attention. I kept realizing things and developing theories even after the movie was over.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Our Quarantine Savior
I feel strongly that this would’ve been a hit in theaters, something your friends would invite you to see with them and you’d go again even though you already watched it once with your husband or sister. But it also feels appropriate that a movie about living every day over and over again should be watched while you’re stuck at home during a pandemic. This is the movie we NEED in these TRYING, UNPRECEDENTED TIMES. It is easily my favorite movie of the year, and I’m able to watch it for free at home. That’s a win/win/win my friends.