Our take
Starring a knock-out cast of comediennes that include Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, and Wiig, Palm Royale is a visual treat filled with a handful of memorable performances. But as funny as these women and as vibrant as these costumes are, the series never seems truly believable and lived in. It instead feels like a neverending comedy sketch—a parody of a melodrama, to be exact. Despite its tender moments, it’s difficult to feel sympathetic for characters who are played for laughs and laughs only. Look, I love Wiig as much as the next person who grew up watching seasons 31-37 of SNL, but the loudness of her performance can’t hide the fact that she can’t find her character’s core, which ultimately weakens the act. Wiig is usually excellent in dramatic roles, so this one comes as a surprise.
What it won
SAG Awards
1 nom
The story
In 1969, an ambitious woman aspires to cross the line between the haves and have-nots to secure her seat at America's most exclusive, fashionable, and treacherous table: Palm Beach high society.
Elsewhere
"Wildy outrageous and amusing, Palm Royale suggests that you might get more than you requested if you’re delusional enough to go after what you want."
— Aramide Tinubu
Florida, 1969. Wannabe socialite Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) will stop at nothing to join Palm Beach’s ultra-exclusive resort club.
Costume designer Alix Friedberg does a wonderful job of making the ladies ultra-fashionable. The power suits, tent dresses, paisley prints, and shell bags look dated on their own, but in Palm Royale, they’re as chic as the society women garbed in them. It could give Mad Men a run for its amazing wardrobe!
What a terrible waste of a star-studded cast!
The details
Who picked it
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
