Palm Springs Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 06, 2023
Palm Springs (2020)
Palm Springs is a romantic comedy film released in 2020, directed by Max Barbakow in his debut as a feature film director. The screenplay was written by Andy Siara, and the film features an ensemble cast including Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J. K. Simmons. The story revolves around two strangers who meet at a wedding in Palm Springs and find themselves trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.
The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020, where it garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was later released simultaneously on the streaming platform Hulu and in select theaters by Neon on July 10, 2020. The film's performances, especially those of Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, were highly praised, as well as its innovative and entertaining use of the time loop concept.
Palm Springs received critical acclaim for its witty writing, well-executed humor, and heartfelt exploration of love and existentialism. It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards at the 78th ceremony, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Andy Samberg. The film also won the award for Best Comedy at the 26th Critics' Choice Awards, solidifying its reputation as a standout comedy of the year.
Palm Springs Ending Explained
The ending of Palm Springs intentionally leaves room for interpretation and offers multiple possibilities. Director Max Barbakow wanted to create an ending that allowed viewers to arrive at different conclusions based on their perspective, whether that be optimistic or cynical. The ambiguity of the ending is meant to spark discussion and allow each viewer to take away their own meaning.
Initially, there was a clearer main interpretation, but it was changed during the production process, with input from Andy Samberg, who was also an executive producer on the film. The goal was to strike a delicate balance between avoiding a saccharine ending that would feel untrue to the film's tone and characters, and steering clear of a bitter and depressing note.
While it's possible to interpret the ending as Nyles and Sarah being dead, the focus is more on the fact that they are together. The ambiguity surrounding their fate doesn't diminish the emotional arc of the story, which concludes just before they enter the cave. Everything that follows is seen as fun sci-fi and is open to individual interpretation.
The appearance of dinosaurs in the film serves as a symbolic element. Whether they are real or not, they represent the transcendent wonder of falling in love. It's a playful and whimsical addition that adds depth to the story. The fact that both Nyles and Sarah see the dinosaurs reinforces their shared experience and allows the audience to interpret their presence in their own way.
Ultimately, the ending of Palm Springs is open-ended, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. Whether Nyles and Sarah escape the time loop or find themselves in another dimension is left up to individual interpretation. What matters most is that they are together, whether it be for eternity or their lives.
Palm Springs Plot
On November 9 in Palm Springs, Nyles wakes up next to his girlfriend Misty, who is cheating on him. Later that day, he meets Sarah at a wedding where they develop a connection and decide to go to the desert for some intimacy. However, their encounter is interrupted when Nyles is shot by an unknown assailant and crawls into a cave, warning Sarah not to follow. Concerned for Nyles, Sarah enters the cave and finds herself trapped in a time loop, reliving November 9 repeatedly.
Sarah tries various methods to break free from the time loop but fails. Nyles, who has been stuck in the loop for a while, has resigned himself to the repetition and lives a carefree and reckless life. Over time, Nyles and Sarah become close friends, embracing the thrill of their adventures together. Nyles reveals that the man who shot him, Roy, is also stuck in the time loop because Nyles inadvertently trapped him there. Roy occasionally seeks revenge by hunting and harming Nyles.
During their time in the loop, Nyles and Sarah develop a romantic relationship and enjoy their freedom. However, complications arise when Sarah realizes she had slept with another wedding guest, Abe, the night before the loop began. Sarah becomes consumed by guilt and expresses her nihilistic view of their existence in the loop. Their relationship becomes strained when Sarah learns that Nyles had lied about their previous encounters.
Nyles feels lost without Sarah and experiences a period of aimlessness and despair. He discovers Sarah's affair with Abe and starts to question their relationship. Nyles eventually reconciles with Roy and seeks his advice. Meanwhile, Sarah delves into studying quantum physics and general relativity, believing that exploding themselves in the cave might break the time loop.
Sarah proposes her plan to Nyles, offering him a chance to escape together. However, Nyles confesses his love for her and suggests they remain in the loop indefinitely. Determined to break free, Sarah rejects Nyles' proposition and proceeds with her explosive plan alone. At the wedding, she delivers an emotional speech to her sister before heading to the cave.
In a change of heart, Nyles rushes to the cave to join Sarah in her escape attempt. They express their love for each other and share a final kiss before Sarah detonates the explosives. The plan works, and they wake up on November 10. They find themselves relaxing in a pool at a nearby house, but their moment of peace is interrupted when the homeowners return unexpectedly.
In a mid-credits scene, Roy, having received a voicemail from Sarah explaining her plan, approaches Nyles at the wedding and confirms that the plan succeeded. Nyles, however, appears confused and doesn't recognize Roy, signaling that he is now out of the time loop. Roy smiles, realizing that Sarah's escape plan was successful.
Palm Springs Cast
Andy Samberg
Nyles
Cristin Milioti
Sarah Wilder
J. K. Simmons
Roy Schlieffen
Peter Gallagher
Howard Wilder
Meredith Hagner
Misty
Camila Mendes
Tala Anne Wilder
Tyler Hoechlin
Abraham Eugene Trent "Abe" Schlieffen
Chris Pang
Trevor
Jacqueline Obradors
Pia Wilder
June Squibb
Nana Schlieffen
Tongayi Chirisa
Jerry Schlieffen
Dale Dickey
Darla
Conner O'Malley
Randy
Jena Friedman
Daisy the Bartender
Brian Duffy
Spuds
Martin Kildare
Ted the Bartender
Clifford V. Johnson
Professor
Cast
Character
Palm Springs Release Date
On January 26, 2020, Palm Springs made its highly anticipated world premiere at the renowned Sundance Film Festival. This romantic comedy, directed by Max Barbakow and written by Andy Siara, immediately captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. Following its premiere, the film took a unique distribution approach by being simultaneously released on the popular streaming platform Hulu and in select theaters by Neon on July 10, 2020.
Palm Springs quickly garnered critical acclaim for numerous aspects of its production. The standout performances delivered by the talented cast were widely praised. Andy Samberg, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, showcased his comedic prowess in the lead role, effortlessly portraying the film's protagonist, Nyles.
Cristin Milioti, acclaimed for her work in theater and television, delivered a compelling performance as Sarah, the female lead, adding depth and emotional complexity to the story. One of the film's most notable strengths was its ingenious use of the time-loop concept.
Palm Springs introduced a fresh twist to the familiar trope, keeping audiences engaged and intrigued throughout the narrative. The film expertly balanced comedic moments with thought-provoking themes, exploring existential questions and the nature of relationships in a clever and entertaining manner.
The decision to release Palm Springs on Hulu and in theaters simultaneously allowed a wider audience to experience the film. This hybrid distribution strategy recognized the growing popularity of streaming platforms while also providing an opportunity for traditional cinema-goers to enjoy the movie on the big screen.
Palm Springs Where to Watch?
"Palm Springs" was available for streaming on Netflix. This means that subscribers to the Netflix platform had the opportunity to watch the movie "Palm Springs" directly on their devices, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
The film was accessible within the Netflix library, allowing viewers to enjoy it at their convenience and as part of their subscription package.
Palm Springs Trailer
Palm Springs Ending Explained - FAQs
The ending of "Palm Springs" is deliberately open to interpretation. It suggests that Nyles and Sarah may have escaped the time loop they were stuck in, as evidenced by the homeowners not recognizing them in the pool the day after November 9.
"Palm Springs" is a romantic comedy with a sci-fi twist. It follows the story of Nyles and Sarah, who meet at a wedding in Palm Springs and get trapped in a time loop.
"Palm Springs" received critical acclaim for its cast's performances and unique concept. It earned two nominations at the 78th Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Andy Samberg. The film also won the Best Comedy award at the 26th Critics' Choice Awards.
The director, Max Barbakow, and writer, Andy Siara, wanted to create an ending that was open to interpretation and allowed viewers to arrive at different conclusions based on their perspective.