Palmetto
Performance & Direction: Palmetto Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Palmetto (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Palmetto features a noteworthy lineup led by Woody Harrelson . Supported by the likes of Gina Gershon and Elisabeth Shue , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Palmetto
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, Palmetto is a Crime, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Volker Schlöndorff. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Woody Harrelson.
Ending Explained: Palmetto
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Volker Schlöndorff, Palmetto attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Woody Harrelson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Palmetto reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Palmetto Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Palmetto incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, mystery, thriller film directed by Volker Schlöndorff, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Woody Harrelson's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Palmetto adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Palmetto?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Palmetto
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $5.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: Palmetto
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Where to Watch Palmetto Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomePalmetto Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Palmetto age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Palmetto is 114 minutes (1h 54m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Palmetto is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palmetto worth watching?
Palmetto is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Palmetto parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Palmetto identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Palmetto?
The total duration of Palmetto is 114 minutes, which is approximately 1h 54m long.
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Critic Reviews for Palmetto
Liked everything about this movie. All the main players, Woody Harrelson, Elisabeth Shue, Gina Gershon and Chloë Sevigny were very good. Good story with a few twists and just a touch of comedy. And the scene with Harrelson and Shue in the bungalow was hot. I give it a 8/10.
Effective enough modern film noir that excels mainly for the cast, especially Woody Harrelson and Elisabeth Shue. I had seen this before many years ago and my opinion pretty much remained the same. **3.25/5**
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
