--- title: "Palm Springs" year: 2020 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/palm-springs" fi1m_id: "palm-springs" imdb_id: "tt9484998" tmdb_id: 587792 wikidata_id: "Q65084655" fi1m_score: 78 critics_score: 79 critics_reviews: 28 published: "2026-09-30T20:07:48.064861+00:00" updated: "2026-09-30T20:07:56.783342+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Palm Springs (2020) Directed by Max Barbakow · 1h 30m · MPA R · Comedy, Romance, Science Fiction ## Identity Palm Springs - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/palm-springs - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** palm-springs - **IMDb ID:** tt9484998 - **TMDB ID:** 587792 - **Wikidata ID:** Q65084655 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9484998/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/587792, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65084655 **Fi1m score: 78** · Critics 79 from 28 reviews *In a sentence:* Eternity turns out to be a destination wedding with an open bar, and Andy Samberg is the only one dressed for it > Max Barbakow’s time-loop comedy is quick, funny and better company than most of its kind, and Cristin Milioti gives it a spine Andy Samberg’s slacker cannot. The physics do not bear looking at, and the last stretch hands her story back to him. ## Synopsis A wedding at a resort in Palm Springs. Tala (Camila Mendes) is marrying Abe (Tyler Hoechlin) in front of her father Howard (Peter Gallagher) and her grandmother, Nana Schlieffen (June Squibb). Nyles (Andy Samberg), boyfriend of the bridesmaid Misty (Meredith Hagner), turns up in a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts, drinks steadily, and gives a wedding speech nobody asked him for. Sarah (Cristin Milioti), the bride’s older sister and maid of honour, has forgotten hers and is glad of the rescue. The two slip away into the desert. A man with a bow (J.K. Simmons) puts an arrow in Nyles, who crawls towards a cave glowing in the rocks and tells Sarah not to follow him. She follows, and wakes up on the morning of the wedding. ## Review Max Barbakow takes the idea of [*Groundhog Day*](https://film.one/film/groundhog-day) and moves it to a wedding in the desert, and the smartest thing Andy Siara’s script does is to begin with a man who has already given up. Nyles (Andy Samberg) has been living the same wedding day for longer than he can count when the film starts. The film does not make us sit through him learning the rules; it lets Sarah (Cristin Milioti) learn them, and lets us watch him watch her. It is quick, funny and better company than most comedies of its size, and we recommend it, with two reservations we will come to. Quyen Tran shoots the desert as a place where the light does nothing but glare. The sky is bleached almost white, the pool is a chemical blue, and the reception at night is all strings of bulbs against a black sky. Jason Kisvarday’s resort is white walls, sunloungers and a bar that never runs dry. Colin Wilkes puts Nyles in a Hawaiian shirt and yellow board shorts for a ceremony everybody else has dressed for, and the joke is that after enough days nobody has the energy to be embarrassed. Matthew Compton’s score keeps out of the way. Andrew Dickler and Matt Friedman cut the repeated mornings hard, so the loop lands as a rhythm before anybody has explained it. Samberg is doing something more careful than usual. Nyles has stopped wanting anything, and Samberg plays him as pleasant, agreeable and slightly dead behind the eyes, a man who has tried every drink, every bed and every roof in Palm Springs and found none of them worth a second go. The speech he gives at the reception in the first act, in that shirt, is the funniest scene in the film because it is sincere and he knows it will be gone by morning. We laughed at it, and then felt uneasy, because Samberg lets you see that he has given it many times and has stopped hearing the words. Milioti is the reason to watch. Sarah is the family’s black sheep, drinking through her sister’s wedding so as not to think, and Milioti plays the discovery of the loop as panic before it becomes a game. The stretch where the two of them decide to enjoy themselves, stealing a plane, rehearsing a dance in a dive bar under the eye of Dale Dickey’s barmaid, drinking through a day that cannot end, is the film’s high point, and it works because she is more alive in it than he is. Then she stops playing along. Milioti lets the fun go out of her face a scene before the script catches up with her, and that quiet turn moved us more than we expected from a film that opens with a man floating on an inflatable pizza. J.K. Simmons arrives with a bow, a quiver and a grievance, and every scene he is in is better for it; his Roy has found a kind of peace and cannot forgive anyone who has not. The mechanics, though, do not bear looking at. Siara’s script gestures at a cave, an earthquake and, later, at something that sounds like physics, and those explanations are the weakest writing in the film. The film also spends an hour making Sarah its engine and then, in the final stretch, hands Nyles the big speech and the big choice, while her own reckoning is settled in a couple of lines. We wanted to see more of it. Against the loop films it borrows from, it sits a notch below *Groundhog Day*, which had the nerve to keep its lead unpleasant for an hour, and above most of its imitators. The point here is sadder and truer: a long relationship is the same day repeated with somebody, and you can treat that as a prison or as company. Watch it on a night when you are not sure what you feel about the person on the sofa next to you. It is 90 minutes long, it is funny for most of them, and it will give you something to argue about afterwards that is not the plot. *Fi1m score 78, published 30 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics like Palm Springs a good deal, and the reviews are unusually united. The praise gathers around Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, whose chemistry is named again and again as the reason the time-loop premise feels fresh rather than borrowed. Several reviewers argue that Milioti gives the stronger performance; the Los Angeles Times says she eclipses Samberg and carries the story’s emotional high point. The comedy is described as inventive and the romance as sincere, and many are pleased that the jokes leave room for something bleaker about living with oneself. The reservations are small and mostly about mechanics. Variety and The AV Club find the plot’s explanations shaky, and The New Yorker and The Ringer think it does not improve on Groundhog Day. Vulture regrets a conventional swing toward commitment. The one real dissent is Sight and Sound, which finds the ideas underdeveloped and objects that Sarah’s growth is pushed aside for Nyles’s arc. ## Straight answers **Is Palm Springs worth watching?** *Palm Springs* is worth watching for anyone who wants a quick, funny time-loop comedy with more feeling than most of its kind, and we scored it 78. Cristin Milioti is the reason to see it, and Andy Samberg plays a man who has given up with more care than usual. The physics do not bear looking at, and the last stretch hands her story back to him. **How long is Palm Springs, and what is it rated?** *Palm Springs* runs 1h 30m and is rated R by the MPA in the US. It is a comedy and romance film. **Where can I watch Palm Springs in the US?** *Palm Springs* is streaming on Hulu and Disney+ in the US. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Palm Springs, and is it suitable for children?** *Palm Springs* is a 15 certificate in the UK and rated R in the US, so it is not for children. There is heavy drinking throughout, an arrow put into a man in the first act, and adult humour about sex and relationships. Teenagers of the right age will be fine; the squeamish have little to fear beyond that one arrow. **How does Palm Springs compare to Groundhog Day?** *Palm Springs* is a notch below [*Groundhog Day*](https://film.one/film/groundhog-day), which is the sharper and braver film of the two. The earlier one keeps Bill Murray unpleasant for an hour and lets the jokes carry it; the newer one skips the learning of the rules and puts two people in the loop together, which makes it sadder and more romantic. Start with the original if you have seen neither. **What should I watch after Palm Springs?** After *Palm Springs*, try [*Groundhog Day*](https://film.one/film/groundhog-day) (1993, Fi1m 88): The original loop, with a lead the film dares to keep unpleasant for an hour. Then [*Before Sunrise*](https://film.one/film/before-sunrise) (1995, Fi1m 89): One day, two strangers, no science fiction, and the same question about whether to stay. ### Reviews we read (28) - **Empire**, Nick de Semlyen (90/100, inferred): De Semlyen calls it a wonderfully witty, weird, and emotionally sincere comedy, and one of the year’s best. He praises the comic inventiveness and the chemistry between Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/palm-springs/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (90/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the time-loop romance ingenious, good-natured and very funny, and says it delivers much-needed laughs. He particularly praises Andy Samberg’s effortless, precisely timed performance, which makes the premise convincing. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/apr/08/palm-springs-review-the-time-loop-film-is-back-again-groundhog-day) - **The i Paper**, Ella Kemp (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a clever, empathetic romance that makes its time-loop premise feel fresh. They single out the vibrant performances and intelligent comedy for bringing insight to its study of relationships. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/palm-springs-review-time-loop-romcom-adam-samberg-947094) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (85/100, inferred): Debruge finds the film an inventive, irreverent refresh of the time-loop rom-com that ultimately delivers sincere romance. He praises its absurd scenarios and the connection between its lead characters, though he notes the cave explanation does not work. [Read](https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/palm-springs-review-1203482914/) - **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (B+): Ehrlich praises the film as a witty, touching reinvention of the time-loop comedy, though he finds it too curious to explore every possibility. He singles out the chemistry between Samberg and Milioti and the film’s sharp, sweet treatment of romantic partnership. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/palm-springs-review-andy-samberg-sundance-1202206545/) - **The AV Club**, A.A. Dowd (B+): Dowd finds the film a funny, inventive, sweet rom-com that builds on the Groundhog Day premise, though its plot mechanics are less solid. The review especially praises the equal-footing chemistry between Samberg and Milioti. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/andy-samberg-falls-into-his-own-groundhog-day-in-the-sw-1844267284) - **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): O'Sullivan finds the familiar time-loop premise smart and surprisingly fresh. She praises the cast as a whole and singles out the film’s dark, feminist-leaning humor. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/palm-springs-review-amazon-prime-time-loop-andy-samberg-cristin-miloti-b928433.html) - **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (80/100, inferred): Chang finds the film a breezily entertaining and metaphorically rich romantic comedy. He especially praises Cristin Milioti, whose performance eclipses Samberg’s and delivers the story’s emotional high point and funniest moment. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-07-09/palm-springs-review-andy-samberg-hulu) - **Radio Times**, Emma Simmonds (4/5): Simmonds describes it as an energetic romcom with a satisfyingly cynical edge. She praises how it draws sustained fun from the time-loop premise. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-eue2rk/palm-springs/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, John DeFore (80/100, inferred): DeFore finds the film a thoroughly enjoyable, surprisingly philosophical crowdpleaser. He especially praises the inventive hijinks and the way the comedy gives serious thought to living with one’s own damaged self. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/palm-springs-1273219/) - **RogerEbert.com**, Sheila O'Malley (3/4): O’Malley finds the time-loop romantic comedy charming and thoughtful. She singles out the lively chemistry between Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/palm-springs-movie-review-2020) - **Slant Magazine**, Chris Barsanti (3/4): The critic finds the film confident, funny, and thoughtful despite its familiar premise. He praises its balance of existential questions with bright comedy, especially the leads’ contrasting performances. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-palm-springs-puts-a-fresh-spin-on-the-time-loop-rom-com/) - **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (70/100, inferred): Lane finds Palm Springs spirited but not a major advance on Groundhog Day. He especially praises Cristin Milioti, whose performance brings grace and pathos to Sarah. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/07/20/palm-springs-and-the-comedy-of-eternity) - **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (70/100, inferred): Willmore finds the film charming and timely, despite its conventional turn toward romantic commitment. She praises its nimble pacing and the chemistry between Cristin Milioti and Andy Samberg. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/palm-springs-movie-review.html) - **The New York Times**, Jeannette Catsoulis (64/100, inferred): The page is inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict and specific praise or complaint cannot be verified. No review details are available to summarize reliably. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/09/movies/palm-springs-review.html) - **Sight and Sound** (45/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an insouciant riff with promising ideas that are often left underdeveloped, and objects to Sarah’s growth being eclipsed by Nyles’s arc. Miliotti is singled out for matching Samberg’s energy in the film’s goofy, lighthearted moments. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/palm-springs-2020-max-barbakow-andy-samberg-cristi-miliotti-groundhog-day-infinite-time-loop-meet-cute) - **Collider**, Adam Chitwood (A): Chitwood calls the film a brilliant, hilarious, and moving love story. He especially praises Samberg and Milioti’s performances and the film’s balance of comedy with emotional depth. [Read](https://collider.com/palm-springs-andy-samberg-movie-review/) - **Den of Geek**, Nick Harley (4.5/5): The review finds Palm Springs a sharply original, sweet, and subversive rom-com that sustains its playful premise and sticks the landing. It especially praises Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti’s easy chemistry and standout performances. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/palm-springs-review/) - **/Film**, Ben Pearson (9/10): Pearson calls the film a sharp, satisfying crowd-pleaser with the makings of a modern comedy classic. He singles out Samberg and Milioti’s magnetic performances and the joyful, goofy scenes in which they embrace the time loop. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/571958/palm-springs-review/) - **Paste**, Andy Crump (8.2/10): Crump finds the film funny and emotionally resonant, even as its mood turns bleak. He praises how its steady stream of jokes carries weight while exploring the characters’ growth. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/andy-samberg/palm-springs-review-cristin-milioti) - **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film hilarious, affecting and highly creative, though not quite a flawless classic. Samberg and Milioti’s performances stand out, while the rushed pacing leaves some time-loop details and a relationship development underexplored. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a33212519/palm-springs-review-brooklyn-99-andy-samberg/) - **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (80/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film playful, smart and warmly entertaining. She praises the leads’ nuanced performances and the deft handling of science-fiction and romantic-comedy themes. [Read](http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/palm-springs-2020-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) - **Polygon**, Tasha Robinson (80/100, inferred): Robinson finds the film fresh, playful, and genuinely funny despite its familiar time-loop premise. She especially praises the lively chemistry and comic performances of Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/28/21111341/palm-springs-review-andy-samberg-cristin-milioti-jk-simmons-groundhog-day-comedy-movie/) - **The Wrap** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film thoroughly enjoyable, inventive, and occasionally touching. They praise its fresh spin on the time-loop premise and romantic-comedy tropes, along with its entertaining performances. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/palm-springs-film-review-andy-samberg-cristin-milioti-groundhog-day/) - **The Ringer**, Adam Nayman (78/100, inferred): Nayman finds the film silly but ultimately humane, affecting, and satisfying, though it does not surpass its predecessors. He praises Samberg and Milioti’s complex chemistry and the way their performances give the time-loop comedy emotional stakes. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2020/07/13/movies/palm-springs-review-andy-samberg-hulu-time-loop) - **NME** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film charming and emotionally resonant, though its ending does not match its lively opening. They single out the soulful performances, especially Cristin Milioti’s subtle expressiveness alongside Andy Samberg. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/palm-springs-review-andy-samberg-2917467) - **Consequence**, Clint Worthington (70/100, inferred): Worthington finds the film funny, charming, and bittersweet, calling it a sweet meditation on long-term relationships. He singles out the assured performances and chemistry of Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti for praise. [Read](https://consequence.net/2020/07/film-review-palm-springs/) - **The Playlist** (67/100, inferred): The URL identifies this as The Playlist’s Sundance review of Palm Springs. The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict and specific praise or complaint are unavailable. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/palm-springs-sundance-review-20200127/) ## Details - **Director:** Max Barbakow - **Director:** Max Barbakow - **Screenplay:** Andy Siara - **Story:** Andy Siara, Max Barbakow - **Cinematography:** Quyen Tran - **Editor:** Andrew Dickler, Matt Friedman - **Music:** Matthew Compton - **Production design:** Jason Kisvarday - **Costume design:** Colin Wilkes - **Producer:** Andy Samberg, Becky Sloviter, Jorma Taccone - **Cast:** Andy Samberg as Nyles; Cristin Milioti as Sarah; J.K. Simmons as Roy; Peter Gallagher as Howard; Meredith Hagner as Misty; Camila Mendes as Tala; Tyler Hoechlin as Abe; Chris Pang as Trevor - **Runtime:** 1h 30m - **Certificate (MPA):** R - **Release (the US):** 10 July 2020 - **Genres:** Comedy, Romance, Science Fiction - **Also in:** [Golden Globe Best Musical or Comedy winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-comedy.md) (Nominee, 2020) - **Budget:** $5 million - **Box office:** $2 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpBLtXduh_k ## Where to watch in the US - Hulu: streaming, hd - Disney+: add-on, hd *Checked 2026-09-30.* Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CL, CO, DE, DK, EC, ES, FI, FR, GB, IE, IN, IT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, SE, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Groundhog Day* (1993), Fi1m 88: The original loop, with a lead the film dares to keep unpleasant for an hour — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/groundhog-day.md) - *Russian Doll* (2019): Natasha Lyonne dies at her own birthday party over and over; sharper and stranger - *Timecrimes* (2007): A Spanish loop with no jokes at all, which is its own kind of relief - *The One I Love* (2014): A couple’s therapy weekend goes uncanny; a two-hander about wanting a better version - *Before Sunrise* (1995), Fi1m 89: One day, two strangers, no science fiction, and the same question about whether to stay — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/before-sunrise.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/palm-springs