science-fiction

The time loop genre deserves more entries, not fewer, and Palm Springs is the argument for why. Strip away the gimmick and you’re left with the oldest question there is: what would you actually do if consequences were suspended? Groundhog Day answered moral growth. Palm Springs answers commitment, and the particular flavour of nihilism that sets in once you’ve already tried everything else, and it turns out that’s the richer question. Samberg is restrained here, playing a man who’s been funny for so long he’s forgotten why. Milioti is the whole film.

Continuing to show my son the high-concept family comedies of my youth—a genre Hollywood was unusually good at in the late eighties and early nineties, when a one-line premise could carry a whole film. This one was well-received. Some of the practical effects still hold up. The digital work does not—1989 was a year or two too early, and the seams show in every composite. Memories of watching it at the cinema with my grandmother aren’t quite enough to lift it any higher.

Very strange. Pretty good! Best new Pixar film for a while.

Watched on Tuesday March 17, 2026.

My son’s slightly strange BTTF ranking is 3 > 2 > 1. Enjoyed watching them with him.

My son’s first viewing of the trilogy continues. He liked this one a lot.

As a kid I was mesmerised by the scene at the end where Joe Flaherty turns up with the letter. Blew my mind.

I have vivid memories of watching this at the cinema, especially the delayed opening credits and Beck’s “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” arriving about 20 minutes in. A song I had no idea was coming. Its appearance and reprise at the end are moments that have stuck with me.

The nonlinearity isn’t as complicated as it first felt, but it still keeps repeat viewings interesting.

Above all, it’s just such a fucking good *film. *A story that could only work in cinema, and a beautiful collaboration from Gondry, Kaufman and Bismuth all at or near the height of their powers.

Watched it with my son, who was seeing it for the first time. He thought it was great and is excited to see the sequels over the weekend.