Writer/co-director Henry Loevner and co-director Steven Kanter’s Peak Season is a slice-of-life drama. Engaged couple Amy (Claudia Restrepo) and Max (Ben Coleman) take a vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. More accurately, she’s taking a respite, and he’s tagging along, though he’s still working. This means Max is missing out on a bunch of experiences in the wilderness-centric area, such as fly fishing.
The fly fishing guide, Loren (Derrick Joseph DeBlasis), and Amy hit it off instantly. So when Max needs to get back home because his new client is demanding the impossible, Amy leans on Loren for companionship. The two go out to eat, hang out at the local bar, and enjoy each other’s company. Throughout it all, Amy and Loren have deep discussions about everything. He believes that one should never compromise the life they want to live. She does not think things are as black and white as Loren makes things seem. Is Amy merely lonely, or is she falling for Loren? What does she want out of life?
“…when Max needs to jet back home…Amy leans on Loren for companionship.”
The narrative of Peak Season is as simple and straightforward: two people meet and have chemistry but cannot be together for this or that reason. That’s it. What draws viewers in isn’t the story but rather the characters. Amy’s uncertainty over career prospects and never fully knowing all that’s being offered is relatable. Max is responsible and dependable, and the two clearly care for each other. But is that real love, or is that what Amy’s found with Loren? Loren’s hardcore principles are consistent throughout, even if they seem arbitrary; maybe to an outsider, they are, but these life rules aren’t to him, which is highlighted nicely.
To that end, it is the cast who must do the heavy lifting. Happily, they are more than up to the task. Restrepo is sweet, and even when Amy considers cheating, she remains likable. Coleman makes Max’s dedication to work make sense while still showcasing his love for his on-screen fiance. DeBlasis runs the gamut of emotions and sells each one believably. He’s got natural charisma and makes Amy’s torn love work.
Peak Season is a well-written and engaging drama. The characters are likable and relatable. The three leads are perfect and play off each other wonderfully.
"…well-written and engaging..."
