TORONTO - "The Cost of Heaven" serves as a thought-provoking exploration of societal values and the lengths individuals will go to secure them, according to Montreal writer-director Mathieu Denis. The film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 9, 2025, after years of contemplation and observation of the relentless demands of capitalism.
Denis began pondering the film's themes long before the pandemic, but during the initial lockdown in May 2020, he questioned its relevance. During that time, Denis took to cycling frequently, particularly up Mount Royal, where he experienced an unprecedented clarity and view due to the absence of vehicle traffic and consequent atmospheric pollution. "I had never seen so far in the distance from the top of the mountain," he remarked, noting that this clarity lasted only as long as the pause in daily societal functions.
However, this moment of clarity was short-lived. As society began to reopen, there was a clear urgency to resume normal operations. "What we started hearing about was: whoa, we can’t do this. We cannot stop," he reflected, emphasizing the underlying pressure to restart the economic machine. Now, five years later, "The Cost of Heaven" is debuting at TIFF, and its themes feel as pertinent as ever.
The film, described as a psychological thriller with a strong emphasis on human psychology, has been likened to a Quebecois version of "Uncut Gems," albeit imbued with a sense of dread rather than frenetic anxiety. Set in the backdrop of Quebec, the French-language narrative follows Nacer, an immigrant who appears to embody the upper middle-class ideal. Nacer enjoys a loving family, three children, an attractive home in Montreal, and a supportive circle of friends; yet, this is not sufficient for him. His close proximity to wealth and affluence makes a more opulent lifestyle tantalizingly elusive.
As Nacer strives for greater heights, he finds himself entangled in a financial predicament. To escape unscathed from this situation, he must resort to increasingly questionable actions. Denis asserts that while Nacer’s personal journey is unique, his motivations are influenced by broader societal forces affecting everyone. "We’ve been living in this unchallenged economic system, and what this system requires of us as individuals is changing us," Denis stated. He believes this pressure is eroding empathy and a sense of community, which are fundamental to humanity.
The film underscores a universal sentiment: many individuals relate to Nacer’s struggles and share the experience of feeling cornered by the economic system. Denis commented on the prevailing environmental and societal pressures, highlighting challenges such as extreme temperatures, destructive wildfires, high work demands, and the rising cost of living. "The air pollution is insane," he added, noting that while there was a hope for change, the reality has become more acute than ever.
"The Cost of Heaven," titled "Gagne ton ciel" in French, premiered on September 9, 2025, and will be screened again on Wednesday evening.
