Damien veut changer le monde (2019) is a French comedy-drama that explores idealism, burnout, and the gap between youthful dreams and adult reality. The film centers on Damien, a passionate and socially conscious young teacher who believes that education can change society for the better.

Damien works in a middle school and is deeply committed to his students. He wants to inspire them, protect them from injustice, and give them opportunities he never had himself. Unlike his more cynical colleagues, Damien refuses to accept the limitations of the education system and constantly tries to improve it through new ideas, projects, and personal involvement.

However, Damien’s idealism gradually collides with reality. The school system is underfunded, overworked, and constrained by bureaucracy. His students come from difficult social backgrounds, and their problems often extend far beyond what a teacher can fix. Damien becomes increasingly exhausted as he tries to carry the emotional burden of his students’ lives while also dealing with pressure from administrators and conflicts with coworkers.

At the same time, the film explores Damien’s personal life, including his relationships and his struggle to balance work, love, and self-care. His desire to “change the world” begins to isolate him and push him toward burnout. The more he tries to do everything, the more he risks losing himself.

The film blends humor with realism, using light comedy to highlight serious issues such as teacher fatigue, social inequality, and the limits of individual activism. Damien is portrayed as sincere but imperfect, and his journey reflects the experience of many people who want to make a difference but feel overwhelmed by systemic problems.

Overall, Damien veut changer le monde is a warm and thoughtful film about commitment, disillusionment, and learning to accept one’s limits. It suggests that changing the world may begin not with grand gestures, but with small, human acts and the ability to take care of oneself.