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Palmetto
1998 114 min United States of America, Germany R 16+
★5.9
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Director: Volker Schlöndorff
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
After being released from prison on a bum charge, Harry Barber is out for payback to regain his lost two years. He's hired by Mrs. Malroux to fake the kidnapping of her stepdaughter (the daughter of a dying millionaire). He discovers that he is being set up on multiple levels and will soon face a longer sentence if he doesn't prove the truth.
US Gross:
$5.88M
Worldwide:
$5.88M
Starring
Woody Harrelson
Actor
Elisabeth Shue
Actor
Gina Gershon
Actor
Key opinion
Palmetto is a divisive neo-noir that relies heavily on the charisma of its lead actors to elevate a familiar plot. While fans appreciate its atmospheric direction and classic genre elements, others find the script unoriginal and the pacing inconsistent.
| Acting | Woody Harrelson provides a compelling, charismatic lead performance that anchors the film’s tense narrative. | |
| Direction | The film effectively utilizes classic noir settings and a moody, atmospheric visual style to build tension. | |
| Acting | Elisabeth Shue delivers a visually striking and aggressive take on the femme fatale archetype, though opinions differ on whether the character transcends genre stereotypes. | |
| Adaptation | The screenplay is viewed by many as unoriginal and predictable, though some fans of James Hadley Chase appreciate it as a faithful adaptation of the source material. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on pacing are split between those who find the slow-burn approach immersive and those who feel the film suffers from jarring transitions and a chaotic final act. |