Lea (Lily McInerny) lives in a world where she doesn’t feel important, where she struggles to see her own worth. Often hanging out with friends, drinking, and taking part in promiscuous activities, Lea only draws herself further and further from a reality in which she will find success. One day, however, she meets a man, Tom (Jonathan Tucker), who’s twice her age, and they immediately hit it off. Palm Trees and Power Lines tells the story of Lea and Tom as she begins to believe that Tom is the answer to all of her problems. However, Tom comes with baggage, and Lea will soon have to make a choice.
I immediately recognized Tucker from my favorite show, Criminal Minds, on which he appeared in just one episode. For him to make that sort of an impression after only one appearance is pretty incredible–and I then had high expectations for him as a result. I was wrong in my expectations, as they weren’t quite high enough. Tucker puts on one of the best performances that I’ve seen in some time–comparing to the performances of Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin and Andrew Garfield in Tick, Tick…Boom! (both of whom I believe should (and should have) win the Academy Award for best actor in a leading role. Every facial expression, inflection, and everything in between helps to develop the character and Palm Trees and Power Lines. I honestly love just about every aspect of Palm Trees and Power Lines, but Tucker is the most impressive piece of the entire production.
Jamie Dack (Writer-Director) and Audrey Findlay (Writer) are impeccable storytellers, and their ability to capture an audience is simply outstanding. Palm Trees and Power Lines is incredibly nuanced, with every single piece of the film playing an important role in the development of the story and the characters. Every word seems to have a bigger meaning, the way in which the characters act perfectly fits all that is being said and done in the film, and the beautiful, linear progression of the story keeps viewers engaged and entertained throughout the duration of the film.
The use of color, the harrowing, yet attractive score, and the setting that often works to envelope Lea and Tom, developing their characters in unique ways, all work together to create a film that reaches out and touches viewers. It’s not just that Tucker displays one of the best pieces of acting that I’ve seen in some time; it’s not just that the story is so relevant and so emotionally trying; it’s everything in between. Every single piece of Palm Trees and Power Lines works to develop every other piece of the film. Without the score Tucker can’t shine. Without Tucker the story can’t ever fully develop. Without the sometimes desolate landscape the darkness that often creeps into the film is meaningless. Everything is important in Palm Trees and Power Lines–even the title. It begs viewers to see both innocence and power, and that plays out perfectly throughout the course of the film.
Palm Trees and Power Lines tugs at the heartstrings, it pulls you to the edge of your seat, and it fully sucks you into Lea’s world. Palm Trees and Power Lines never relents, and it constantly ups the ante, giving viewers new reasons to fall in love with it. This is everything that I could have wanted in a film and more. It hits the nail on the head, and as the film develops it only becomes more powerful.
Directed by Jamie Dack.
Written by Jamie Dack & Audrey Findlay.
Starring Lily McInerny, Jonathan Tucker, Gretchen Mol, Emily Jackson, Quinn Frankel, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
Comments