Oh man, the cinephile urge to just spend days watching indie films is unreal. Hollywood and Bollywood can do everything but match the magic of these gems. Talking about gems I just caught one, Asleep in My Palm, and I couldn’t hold back from writing on it. At a tight 89 minutes, this movie dives into the lives of a father and daughter who’ve basically dropped out of mainstream life to carve out their own little world. And it’s not that they’ve chosen this world, it’s more because of their circumstances. If you’re into films that are more about vibes and deep connections than huge sets and flashy action, this one’s definitely for you.
Plot
It’s a vv heartfelt story that follows Tom, played by Tim Blake Nelson, and his daughter Beth Anne, portrayed by Chloë Kerwin. They’re well to do financially and live secretly in a storage unit near a college in Ohio, surviving off Tom’s crafty, if not exactly legal, schemes (read: stealing). It might be a storage unit for others, but for them, with their stolen furniture and little trinkets, it is their home. Things might not be swift for them, but they are happy in each other’s company. And it is so beautiful to see how Tom’s always got a plan, even if it’s just barely holding together. But as Beth Anne starts to see there’s a whole world outside their little bubble, things start to get complicated.
Performances
Tim Blake Nelson is as good as it gets. He absolutely crushes it as Tom. He’s got this tough, world-weary vibe but also shows a softer side when it comes to his daughter. You can tell he’s lived a rough life and decided to step off society’s hamster wheel. Chloë Kerwin, making her big-screen debut, is seriously impressive. She plays Beth Anne with a mix of innocence and maturity that feels super real. Their dynamic is so genuine, it’s like watching a real father and daughter figuring life out together. Jared Abrahamson also deserves a shoutout as Jose, the small-time crook who adds a bit of chaotic energy to the mix.
Direction and Writing
To think this is Henry Nelson’s directorial debut is so surprising because the work he has done here is just *chef’s kiss*. Never gets melodramatic or preachy— bilkul quietly captures all the little details of Tom and Beth Anne’s life in a wholesome way. The script is full of little sprinkles of humor and heart, making you care about these characters and their offbeat lives. The story knows that no one would choose this life, so there’s no point romanticizing it. But it sure does teach you how to live life in such circumstances. There’s this one sequence where Tom spends the whole night stealing bikes around campus, and it’s shot so well that I could watch it over and over again for hours. That’s how good Nelson is.
Screenplay and Cinematography
Ah, the cinematography. Just like love, it’s the small details that matter the most in camerawork. And this movie knows that. It brings out the chilly Ohio vibe and the rough textures of the places they hang out in. But you know the best part? These places never feel like places once they’re in it. They feel like home. The film has this poetic feel without being overly sentimental or detached. You get drawn into their world, feeling the cold and seeing the beauty in their harsh surroundings. The screenplay shines in the quieter moments, letting you really connect with Tom and Beth Anne. However, the ending takes a bit of a wild turn that feels a little off compared to the rest of the film’s gentle flow. Although I won’t complain about it. It was unexpected, but still pretty good.
Asleep in My Palm is a must-watch if you’re into heartfelt, off-the-beaten-path stories. It’s going to get compared to Leave No Trace for sure, but it stands on its own. Nelson’s film focuses more on the anger and disillusionment that drove Tom off the grid, and the film’s all about the raw, complex love between him and his daughter. Even with a few bumps in the story, this debut is a touching, humanistic look at lives most people prefer to ignore. So, if you’re looking for something real and moving, give this one a go. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
