Palmetto
Palmetto

Palmetto

1998Movie114 minEnglish

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.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes39%
Metacritic48/100
Google Users68%
Director: Erick ZoncaGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A convicted wrongly accused man is released from prison and is drawn into a dangerous entanglement with a seductive older woman and her troubled younger sister. He finds himself ensnared in a complex web of deceit, murder, and potential fortune, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has a hidden agenda. As he navigates this perilous situation, he must uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim.

Critical Reception

Palmetto received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its stylish neo-noir atmosphere and Harrelson's performance, while others found the plot convoluted and predictable. Audiences were similarly divided, with the film failing to make a significant commercial impact.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric neo-noir style and Woody Harrelson's committed performance.
  • Criticized for a convoluted and ultimately unsatisfying plot.
  • Some found the femme fatale elements to be derivative.

Google audience: Audience reviews often noted the film's attempt at a stylish thriller but frequently pointed out plot holes and a lack of genuine suspense. Some viewers appreciated the performances, particularly Harrelson's, but felt the overall execution was lacking.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Woody Harrelson reportedly took a significant pay cut to star in "Palmetto" because he was intrigued by the script and the opportunity to work with director Erick Zonca.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
JPV852

JPV852

Effective enough modern film noir that excels mainly for the cast, especially Woody Harrelson and Elisabeth Shue. I had seen this before many years ago and my opinion pretty much remained the same. **3.25/5**
Movies1234

Movies1234

Liked everything about this movie. All the main players, Woody Harrelson, Elisabeth Shue, Gina Gershon and Chloë Sevigny were very good. Good story with a few twists and just a touch of comedy. And the scene with Harrelson and Shue in the b...