Palm Springs

Palm Springs

Year: 2020

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Max Barbakow

Echo Score: 76

Budget: $5M

MysteryFantasyComedyRomance

During a destination wedding in Palm Springs, a free-spirited young man named Nyles and a rebellious guest, Sarah, find themselves stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. Initially indulging in consequence-free revelry, they eventually forge an unlikely connection and work together to break free from the endless cycle, questioning the meaning of their predicament and finding unexpected hope along the way.

Palm Springs (2020) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Palm Springs (2020) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sun‑baked desert town of Palm Springs, a lavish destination wedding becomes the backdrop for an uncanny scenario: the day repeats itself over and over, caught in an endless loop that only a handful of guests seem to notice. Amid the glittering ceremony and endless poolside parties, the story follows a carefree drifter who lives for the moment and a sharp‑tongued attendee who has never been one to go with the flow.

Nyles is the embodiment of endless summer—a free‑spirited young man whose charm and improvisational wit make him the life of the party. He treats the recurring day as a playground, indulging in spontaneity while skirting any deeper responsibility. Across the glittering crowd, Sarah arrives with a rebellious streak and a skeptical eye, ready to question the absurdity surrounding her. Their initial clash of attitudes quickly gives way to a surprising camaraderie as they share the strange reality of the repeating day.

The film balances breezy comedy with a thoughtful undercurrent, using the endless loop as a canvas for both hilarity and existential reflection. The bright, retro‑styled setting of Palm Springs—complete with palm‑fringed pools, mid‑century modern houses, and a perpetual summer vibe—contrasts with the characters’ growing awareness that something inexplicable is at play. The tone is light‑hearted yet contemplative, inviting the audience to wonder how one might find meaning when time refuses to move forward.

As the day restarts again and again, Nyles and Sarah begin to explore the possibilities hidden within their strange predicament. Their partnership evolves from tentative curiosity into a joint quest to understand why they are trapped and how they might break free. Together they navigate endless breakfasts, poolside lounging, and the subtle shifts that each repetition brings, hinting that even in a world where nothing seems to change, hope and connection can still emerge.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 01:14

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Quirky Existential Comedies like Palm Springs

Stories that use a surreal premise to explore the search for meaning.If you liked Palm Springs, you'll enjoy these movies that use a unique, high-concept premise to explore an existential crisis with humor and heart. This section features films similar to Palm Springs, blending sci-fi or fantasy ideas with relatable character arcs about finding meaning.

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Narrative Summary

Movies in this thread typically introduce a fantastical or surreal situation—like a time loop, alternate reality, or unique set of rules—that forces the protagonist to confront a personal or existential stagnation. The narrative follows them as they move from confusion and nihilistic indulgence to a more purposeful understanding of their life and relationships, often facilitated by a new connection.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped together because they share a specific mix: a clever, often humorous sci-fi/fantasy premise used as a vehicle for a deeper emotional and philosophical exploration. The tone balances wit and whimsy with genuine reflection, resulting in an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.

Movies About Breaking Cycles like Palm Springs

Characters trapped in a cycle must find a new way to break free.Discover movies similar to Palm Springs where characters are trapped in a repetitive cycle and seek a way out. If you enjoyed the 'escape the loop' narrative of Palm Springs, these films feature stories about overcoming personal stagnation and finding second chances.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a state of entrapment, initially met with resistance, denial, or reckless abandon. Over time, the characters reach a point of realization about the true nature of their confinement. The plot then shifts to a proactive and collaborative effort to solve the puzzle of their escape, culminating in a breakthrough that signifies profound personal change.

Why These Movies?

These films share a powerful emotional arc centered on liberation from stagnation. They blend the tension of being trapped with the hope of finding a solution. The experience is defined by this central conflict between confinement and the yearning for freedom, making the eventual escape feel earned and meaningful.

Unlock the Full Story of Palm Springs

Don't stop at just watching — explore Palm Springs in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Palm Springs is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Palm Springs Summary

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Palm Springs Summary

Palm Springs Timeline

Track the full timeline of Palm Springs with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Palm Springs Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Palm Springs

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Palm Springs. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Ending Explained

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