Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disturbing drama has sexual violence, drinking, and drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Palm Trees and Power Lines
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In PALM TREES AND POWER LINES, 17-year-old Lea (Lily McInerny) finds herself aimless and bored during the summer holidays and falls into a relationship with Tom (Jonathan Tucker), a man twice her age. As she feels increasingly disconnected from her mother and friends, she relies on him more and more -- but neither he or his intentions are what they seem.
Is It Any Good?
It may have made a splash on the festival circuit but it's no surprise distributors were less confident in taking a chance on a film about the sexual grooming of a teenage girl. The subject matter is undeniably disturbing, and made more so by the realistic way it's portrayed in Jamie Dack's Palm Trees and Power Lines -- incredibly, the director's first feature film. The performances by reliably villainous Tucker (here revealing a piercing attractiveness and gentle humor) alongside newcomer McInerny -- who skillfully mixes innocent vulnerability with a measured caution -- make for a terrifyingly believable portrait of a 17-year-old girl fallen into the hands of a predatory older man. There are red flags throughout, and Lea sees them along with the audience, making what unfolds all the more heartbreaking as the film descends into territory we were dreading (but expecting) from the moment the pair locked eyes across the diner. Once it starts to unfold, we're trapped until the bitter end and left with the helplessness and hopelessness of the film's young central character. It's not an easy watch, but it is a well-crafted and well-acted story handled with sensitivity and care.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of coercion and abuse in Palm Trees and Power Lines. What do you think made Tom target Lea? How did his behavior lure her in and how did it change over time? What might you do if you were concerned about a friend being in a similar situation?
Sex between a 17-year-old girl and an older man is portrayed on-screen. How did it make you feel watching it? Do you think it was necessary to see? What impact do you think it has that 21-year-old actress Lily McInerny looks the age of her character rather than older?
How did the film depict teen drinking, smoking, and drug use? Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things to look cool? What were the consequences?
Discuss the strong language used. What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain kind of language expected in a film like this?
Lily McInerny's performance has been praised and nominated for a number of awards. What made her portrayal stand out? Can you think of other actors that have taken on a brave role and made an impact in their first film? How do they compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 3, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : March 3, 2023
- Cast : Lily McInerny , Jonathan Tucker , Gretchen Mol
- Director : Jamie Dack
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Momentum Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing material, sexual violence, sexual content, drug/alcohol use, and language - all involving teens
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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