Watch Palmetto

Palmetto is a neo-noir crime thriller from 1998 directed by Volker Schlöndorff and starring Woody Harrelson, Elisabeth Shue, and Gina Gershon. The movie is set in the small coastal town of Palmetto, Florida. The story revolves around a former journalist named Harry Barber (Woody Harrelson), who is released from prison after serving time for a crime he did not commit. Harry returns to his hometown, hoping to rebuild his life, but he quickly gets involved in a dangerous plot.

The movie begins with Harry being released from prison and returning to Palmetto. He reconnects with his former lover, Nina (Gina Gershon), who is now married to a wealthy businessman named Rhea (Tom Wright). Nina and Harry have had a tumultuous relationship in the past, and they are still very much attracted to each other. Harry is also reunited with his ex-wife, Donnelly (Elisabeth Shue), who works as a nurse and is struggling to make ends meet.

One day, Harry meets a mysterious woman named Rhea Malroux (Joanna Cassidy), who offers him a job ghostwriting her memoirs. Rhea is a wealthy widow, living in a luxurious mansion in Palmetto. She seems to be interested in more than just having Harry write her memoirs, and soon, they become involved in a sexual relationship.

As Harry delves deeper into Rhea's life, he discovers that she is involved in some shady business practices. Rhea is trying to scam an insurance company by faking her own kidnapping and collecting the ransom. She enlists Harry's help in carrying out the plan, promising him a cut of the ransom money. Harry initially refuses, but when Rhea reveals that Nina is also involved in the scam, he decides to go along with it to protect her.

As the plan unfolds, Harry finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit and danger. He begins to suspect that Rhea is not telling him everything, and he starts to fear for his life. Meanwhile, his relationship with Donnelly becomes strained as she realizes that Harry is involved in something illegal.

Palmetto is a gritty, atmospheric movie that captures the seedy underbelly of a small, coastal town. The film is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience on their toes until the very end. Woody Harrelson delivers a strong performance as the flawed but likable protagonist, while Elisabeth Shue and Gina Gershon shine in their supporting roles. The movie also features excellent cinematography and a haunting score that adds to the noirish atmosphere.

In conclusion, Palmetto is a must-see for fans of neo-noir thrillers. The movie's sharp script, strong performances, and atmospheric direction make it a standout film in the genre. While it may not be as well-known as other neo-noir classics, like Chinatown or The Long Goodbye, Palmetto is a hidden gem that deserves wider recognition.

Palmetto is a 1998 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 43.