Palace is a drama film that explores the lives of three individuals whose paths cross at a small-town Indiana diner and bar. The film explores themes of family, loss, and personal growth as each character navigates their own struggles.
The main character is the stubborn and tough-minded auto-mechanic named Wendell (played by Max Curnin). He has a strained relationship with his teenage son, who he pushes to become a mechanic despite the son's lack of interest in the field.
The second character is an elderly widower named Cecil (Jerry Bell Jr.), who frequents the bar as a way to cope with the loss of his wife. He strikes up a friendship with Wendell and the two discuss their shared experiences of loss.
The third character is a repressed college student named Jess (Emily Sweet). She is struggling with her sexuality and feels suffocated by her conservative family's expectations. Jess begins working at the bar and forms a connection with Wendell's son, which causes tension between Wendell and Jess.
As the characters connect and confront their personal struggles, they learn lessons about acceptance and understanding. The film serves as a meditation on family dynamics, self-discovery, and the human condition.