Peak Season gives us a story about longing, relationships, and the unknown within some amazing scenery that looks like Ansel Adams photographs. Now while that sounds like a simple storyline, sometimes you don’t need car chases, aliens, or a convoluted story to present something that is real and tender on the screen. In the same vein as Before Sunrise, Past Lives, and When Harry Met Sally, sometimes all you need is two people talking to get a great and charming movie.
Peak Season gives us the story of the engaged Amy and Max, played by Claudia Restrepo and Ben Coleman, who are wealthy resort town of Jackson Hole for summer vacation. While they are there to relax and plan their upcoming wedding, Max brings his work with him and spends a lot of time dealing with clients instead of relaxing with Amy. As we learn more about their backgrounds Max grew up in a wealthy home while Amy’s family seems more down to Earth. As a gift to the couple arriving in town, a friend of Max’s family sets them up with Loren, played by Derrik DeBlasis, to teach them how to fly fish. On the day of their lesson, Max has to deal with a client and Amy decides to go on her own.
This is where the charm of the film sets in. We are like flies sitting on the tall grass listening to the conversation between Amy and Loren. Loren regals Amy with tales of his nomad-like existence. Depending on the season, Loren teaches, fly fishing, skiing, and rock climbing. Living his life the way he wants to is intriguing to Amy. She sees how he lives in the moment and is not distracted by business calls from his clients. He pays attention to her and Amy sees that this is something missing from her life at the moment.
Through a series of events, we see the parallel lives of Amy and Loren. The moments of them just talking about their lives and the world are fascinating to see. It is incredible to witness such great dialogue that flows effortlessly from them. Again, movies don’t need crazy action to keep an audience entertained and Peak Season is proof of that. Sadly, it is movies like this that get lost in the blockbuster hype of summer movies but hopefully, people will take the time to check this one out.
Amy finds herself at an interesting crossword in her life. While she is about to marry a man who might lead to a cold life she questions if this is the life that she wants to have. When she is with Loren she feels alive and kind of enjoys the spontaneity of it. She just is not sure if she wants to depend on odd jobs to make a living. Peak Season tells a great tale about longing for what’s better for you and what you do if you had to make a choice.
Final Thoughts: Peak Season is the perfect charming film to watch on a summer evening. There is something about just watching two people talk and connect that just feels so heartwarming. As opposed to last year’s Past Lives, Peak Season shows how a meeting with a total stranger can greatly impact a person’s life. Claudia Restrepo and Derrik DeBlasis have great chemistry and you enjoy seeing them on the screen together.
Kid-Friendly: Peak Season is conversation-heavy. Some of the conversations are about the working class and the upper class. These might seem boring to younger kids but the older kids can learn a thing or two about them.
Violence: This is no violence in the movie
New York yuppies Amy & Max arrive in the wealthy resort town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a summer vacation. Amy wants to enjoy a romantic getaway with her fiancé. But Max neglects Amy to spend the week working, leaving her to wander town alone. Amy finds a friend in Loren, a local wilderness guide who takes her fly fishing. She’s immediately drawn to this magnetic, free-spirited stranger. Both lonely and lost in their own lives, Amy & Loren share an instant connection. When Max is called away on business, Amy & Loren spend the week together exploring the Tetons. As her bond with Loren grows into something more than friendship, Amy questions whether she’ll return to NYC with Max after all.