Palm Springs

Palm Springs

Year: 1989

Runtime: 2 mins

Language: English

Animation

This short is about a purple dinosaur named Sigmund, who likes to bounce on top of trees. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2011.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Palm Springs yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Palm Springs (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Palm Springs (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day, early 21st century

The movie takes place in current times, marked by modern wedding customs, technology, and cultural references. The setting reflects contemporary life, with scenes involving smartphones, cars, and current fashion, emphasizing the relatability of the characters’ experiences.

Location

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a desert city in Southern California known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and mid-century modern architecture. It’s a popular getaway for those seeking relaxation and leisure, especially in the winter months. The city’s arid landscape and resorts create a vibrant backdrop for the film's events.

🌵 Desert 🌞 Tourist destination 🏜️ Oases

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:43

Main Characters – Palm Springs (1989)

Meet the key characters of Palm Springs (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nyles (Andy Samberg)

Nyles is a disillusioned and sardonic character trapped in a time loop, which leads him to live recklessly and aimlessly. Despite his cynicism, he reveals a capacity for love and genuine connection, making him more complex than he initially appears.

🕰️ Cynical 🔄 Time loop survivor 💔 Love seeker

Sarah (Cristin Millioti)

Sarah begins as a confused and frustrated person, but over time she seeks meaning and purpose. Her evolution from despair to self-awareness reflects her desire to break free from the endless repetition and find authenticity in life and love.

🧠 Intellectual 🤔 Self-discovery ❤️ Romantic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:43

Major Themes – Palm Springs (1989)

Explore the central themes of Palm Springs (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔄 Repetition

The film explores the theme of being stuck in a time loop, symbolizing life's repetitive struggles and the desire for change. It questions whether one can break free by changing oneself or their actions, highlighting existential and philosophical ideas about free will and fate.

❤️ Love and Redemption

At its core, the movie examines love as a transformative force. The characters’ journeys suggest that genuine connection and selflessness can lead to redemption and escape from their cyclical existence. The film underscores that love often requires sacrifice.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:43

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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

Read a complete plot summary of Palm Springs, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

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

Palm Springs Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Palm Springs that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Palm Springs Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Palm Springs

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Palm Springs: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Palm Springs

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