In "Peak Season", co-directors Steven Kanter and Henry Loevner weave a tale of love, self-discovery, and choices set against the stunning backdrop of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The movie delves into the lives of engaged couple Amy (Claudia Restrepo) and Max (Ben Coleman), who resonate more as individuals struggling with their own dilemmas rather than a soon-to-wed couple.
Max is portrayed as a narcissistic workaholic, failing to give heed to Amy's attempts to connect with him. It comes as no surprise when Max returns to work mid-vacation, leaving Amy alone. During her solo adventures, she encounters Loren (Derrick Joseph DeBlasis), a local outdoorsman bisecting his time between menial jobs despite living precariously in his SUV.
Their friendship blossoms quickly, muddling the definitions of platonic and romantic love. The movie refocuses on the themes of contentment and compatibility as Loren and Amy’s relationship evolves.
Ironically, while Amy seeks comfort and stability, Loren is an embodiment of unrestrained passion. This contrast lays bare the movie’s core dilemma: Is love enough or should compatibility factor more?
The movie tries to navigate this intricate love triangle but fails noticeably in deep character development of Max, who comes off as unidimensional and unappealing. Uneven performances compound this problem, with DeBlasis standing out as the most layered, believable character but Restrepo and Coleman falling short.
Despite its pitfalls, "Peak Season" does offer moments of poignancy, particularly towards the end of the film. However, its narrative charm is often overshadowed by frequently stiff performances and a lack of audience engagement.
Feeling at times more like a candid snapshot than a polished film, "Peak Season" delivers an often charming yet occasionally disengaging exploration of love, individual desires, and the courage to choose.
