“Palm Springs,” a movie blending different styles, presents itself as an unusual sci-fi romantic comedy centered on themes of isolation and affection, offering a considered narrative about grappling with existence alongside plenty of quick jokes. The screenplay by Andy Siara and direction by Max Barbakow create something like a quirky, modern take on “Groundhog Day,” focusing on two somewhat awkward individuals caught in a repeating time frame where they’re forced to experience the same day from sunrise to sunset repeatedly. The wedding date of November 9th seems ideal for a Palm Springs celebration, and Sarah (played by Cristin Milioti) is present for her sister's nuptials. This older sister appears somewhat resentful, hesitant about fulfilling her role as maid of honor and generally disliking formal gatherings. During the reception, she encounters Nyles (Andy Samberg), a relaxed person who’s stuck with his superficial girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner), who is also a bridesmaid and prone to infidelity. Sarah and Nyles connect through their shared unconventional sense of humor, leading them to wander into the desert for a late-night encounter. An odd occurrence disrupts their plans, transforming them into a force of cynical rebellion when they realize they can endlessly repeat that particular day. The concept is enjoyable and feels fresh thanks to the witty dialogue delivered by Milioti and Samberg. They make an appealing pair, despite not being characters it’s always easy to support. The film adopts a detached, “too cool” attitude that might not appeal to everyone, but it strives to maintain a sense of levity. A relatively short appearance from J.K. Simmons introduces a strange yet surprisingly poignant subplot, adding considerable emotional depth to the story. Like many movies first shown at Sundance, “Palm Springs” falls short of the enthusiasm generated by its initial film festival audience. While the dark comedy is diverting, it isn’t as hilarious as it could be, and it lacks some of the intelligence it seems to aspire to.

Source on TMDB