RATING★ 4.0
WORTH IT? NO
Palindrome backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Palindrome.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Palindrome Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The story of young black man Fred as he struggles to find freedom in modern Britain. Interwoven with this is a LGBTQ tale of a love triangle of three matriarchal characters. Set ag...

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✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Comedy, Drama, Thriller cinema, then Palindrome offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2020 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of Thriller films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Palindrome, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy, Drama, Thriller landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The story of young black man Fred as he struggles to find freedom in modern Britain. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Drama, Thriller are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The story of young black man Fred as he struggles to find freedom in modern Britain. Interwoven with this is a LGBTQ tale of a love triangle of three matriarchal characters. Set against the backdrop of Brexit and it's impending doom! The film tackles subjects such as the meaning of current slavery, gentrification, art, love, race, mental health and politics."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Jumaane Brown does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Marcus Flemmings is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 112 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Palindrome truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, Drama, Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Palindrome explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Marcus Flemmings respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Palindrome is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jumaane Brown or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Palindrome is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

112MIN

At approximately 1.9 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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