Exploring Mental Health and Love in Anne Emond’s *Peak Everything*
Anne Emond’s film, *Peak Everything (Amour Apocalypse)*, serves as both a personal narrative and a cinematic exploration of her struggles with severe depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Montreal. In a candid discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Emond shared, “I would say in the beginning, I had to save myself, a little bit. That’s how it started.” This dark romantic comedy, set for its world premiere at Cannes, revolves around Adam, a French-speaking kennel owner portrayed by Patrick Hivon, who grapples with overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and deep eco-anxiety amid apocalyptic fears.
A Love Story Amidst Uncertainty
Adam’s life takes a turn when he unexpectedly falls for Tina, played by Piper Perabo, an English-speaking customer service representative from an Ontario company specializing in light therapy lamps. Emond relates deeply to Adam, stating, “I am Adam,” indicating that her own experiences during the COVID lockdown fueled her creative process. Reflecting on her emotional state during the pandemic, she noted, “I felt depressed, more than that, a depression, I wasn’t doing well,” revealing a universal struggle with mental health during these turbulent times.
Light Therapy and Connection
In an attempt to overcome her malaise, Emond, like her character Adam, tried various methods such as running and meditation to no avail. A pivotal moment came when a screenwriter friend gifted Emond a light therapy lamp, which she humorously notes included a customer support hotline she never dialed. In her film, however, Adam does reach out to the lamp company, leading to a calming conversation with Tina—a moment that ignites his romantic aspirations.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
The film is visually rich, featuring quirky, poetic sequences that illustrate the blossoming relationship between Adam and Tina as they embark on comedic and heartfelt adventures. Initially depicted as vibrant and quirky, Tina’s character, portrayed by Perabo, evolves to reveal deeper complexities and struggles. “Tina may be a little stronger and solid, but she also has her challenges and she’s surrounded by people with real troubles,” states Emond, showcasing her intentional design of a multi-dimensional female character free from the typical damsel trope.
Thematic Depth and Climate Concerns
*Peak Everything* not only addresses personal breakdowns but also highlights broader environmental concerns, reflecting Emond’s feelings regarding both her mental health and climate change during the pandemic. “It’s like the Earth was doing as bad as me, and that’s how it is for Adam,” she shares. The film features archival footage of environmental disasters like forest wildfires and melting icebergs, underscoring its timely themes of personal and ecological crises.
A Balanced Message of Hope
Despite its heavy themes, Emond wants audiences to know that *Peak Everything* is ultimately a film about love and resilience. “It’s a tender film. It’s a love story. I want people to smile, and I still believe in love, and I still love human beings and everything. But still, the film is saying we’re facing real challenges,” she emphasizes. This balancing act brings a sense of hope amidst uncertainty.
Bilingual Storytelling
This project marks a significant step for Emond, as it incorporates English-speaking characters for the first time, reflecting Canada’s bilingual culture. “It’s super Canadian. We’re a bilingual country. Why not use it? We all speak English all the time in Montreal,” she notes, enhancing the film’s authentic Canadian identity.
Premiere at Cannes and Anticipated Commentary
As *Peak Everything* prepares for its premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight program at Cannes, Emond expresses both excitement and trepidation. “The day they called me, I was like, ‘Oh My God, it’s amazing,’ and I was jumping and happy,” she recalls, revealing the mixed emotions that come with such a prestigious occasion. However, her anxiety quickly followed, mirroring her protagonist’s overwhelming feelings.
This film’s timing reflects pressing global issues, with Emond stating, “I’m under the impression the film is coming out at the perfect time. Everyone in the film is overwhelmed. Everyone is over the top and doesn’t understand how things work anymore.” She connects the chaos of modern life—including themes of AI advancements, climate change, and political unrest—to the narrative, hoping to draw viewers into a consideration of these significant challenges.
An Artistic Response to Chaos
In addressing the tumult of contemporary life, Emond believes that artists and filmmakers like herself play a crucial role in helping audiences navigate these complexities, offering escape and insight through storytelling. “We’re in a bad position, but at least I believe fiction might be important to deal with the challenges that are coming,” she asserts, reinforcing the meaningful impact of cinema during crisis.
*Peak Everything* is produced by Metafilms, known for previous successes like Matthew Rankin’s Cannes prize-winning absurdist drama, *Universal Language*. The film’s ensemble cast includes talents such as Connor Jessup, Gilles Renaud, Elizabeth Mageren, Eric K. Boulianne, and Gord Rand, with Indie Sales managing its presentation at Cannes.