Cannes Review: Peak Everything is a romantic dramedy that uncovers humor amidst the anxieties associated with societal issues.

      Although it's a common refrain that each generation believes they are witnessing the world's end, the swirl of anxieties—both everyday and global—present in today's era is especially troubling, and for many, overwhelming to grasp. Anne Émond’s Peak Everything, taking its title from the scientific idea that humanity is reaching peak levels of resource exploitation on Earth, distills widespread, apocalyptic worries into an intimate romantic dramedy centered on one man's quest for happiness and purpose in the face of looming climate catastrophes. While this charming and observant Canadian film is well-intentioned, it exhibits an exaggerated whimsy that somewhat detracts from its combination of romance, comedy, and significant real-world issues.

      Though Adam (Patrick Hivon, who captures the role with an appropriate nervousness) presents himself as a likable, albeit sad figure, there is a profound turmoil within him. While his modest kennel business and the dogs provide some distraction, a deep-seated depression persists, impervious to running or meditation. The enthusiastic, uninhibited romantic gestures from Romy (Élizabeth Mageren), his only employee, confuse him more than they fulfill him. With little support from his cynical, all-knowing father Eugène (Gilles Renaud) and his disengaged, lackadaisical brother Frank (Éric Kamala Boulianne), Adam is desperate for solutions to uplift his spirits. He decides to purchase a therapy lamp and contacts a support line to address his troubled mental state. When the friendly Tina (Piper Perabo) answers, despite clarifying that the line is purely for technical assistance (much to his embarrassment), a connection is forged. After one setback, Adam embarks on an adventure to seek meaning in his chaotic life.

      Warmly filmed on 35mm by Olivier Gossot and energetically edited by Anita Roth (The Beast), Peak Everything flows smoothly, which also indicates some of its shortcomings. As Adam confronts the stark reality of humanity entrenched in a self-created, unbreakable system, he even unsettles his therapist with his assertion of the absence of alternatives (nicknamed T.I.N.A., coincidentally the same name as the new woman in his life, among other quirky choices). While one doesn't anticipate a sense of dread akin to Melancholia from this premise, Émond's approach often feels too light, bordering on ephemeral. It’s an admirable attempt to juxtapose a rom-com against existential worries; through her cast, Émond conveys a fair amount of empathy and offers astute insights into humanity's disregard for the planet. However, there’s a misdirected frenetic energy that heavily leans on clichés for feel-good moments, exemplified by a slow-motion scene of Adam and Tina running through the streets, with a dozen dogs in tow, after engaging in a relatively safe act of anarchy. While such familiarity isn’t inherently problematic, this clash between serious themes and an uplifting tone rarely achieves the desired equilibrium.

      As we delve deeper into Tina’s character—who initially seems too perfect for Adam—the film attains a necessary depth. As layers of her previously concealed home life come to light, a sense of sadness surfaces beneath her cheerful exterior. She remarks, “When you choose a path, you don’t get to see the other ones,” lending significance to what could have been seen as random actions. While Peak Everything alludes to a broader depiction of a decaying world, it primarily focuses on the experiences of its protagonist, cherishing the fleeting moments of joy when they arise. This limited perspective may frustrate some viewers, particularly regarding the extent of their empathy for Adam’s encompassing preoccupations. Concluding with a moment of physical release, Émond simplifies Adam’s struggle with depression, opting for the crowd-pleasing route that was hinted at with a lighthearted tone.

      Peak Everything made its debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.