Palmer (2021), an Apple TV+ original directed by Fisher Stevens, is a quiet, character-driven drama that explores themes of redemption, unconventional family structures, and acceptance in the American South. The film stars Justin Timberlake as Eddie Palmer, a former high school football star returning to his rural Louisiana hometown after 12 years in prison.

Eddie’s journey is not just about staying out of jail, but about reclaiming his self-worth. He finds purpose in protecting Sam, a shift from his former "hypermasculinity" to a more nurturing role.

The film argues that family is chosen rather than merely biological. Eddie and Sam, both outcasts in their own way, form a stronger, more supportive bond than what they experienced with their original family structures.

A major, refreshing theme is the depiction of Sam, who enjoys playing with dolls, wearing dresses, and playing fairies. The film highlights the bullying Sam faces, but rather than aiming to "fix" him, Eddie accepts him, offering a critique of rigid gender roles in the rural South.