Peacock (2024) by Bernhard Wenger: The Performance of Self

Short Summary: The Man for Hire

A professional actor-for-hire, who is paid to be a "perfect son" or a "cultured boyfriend," excels at every role he plays but finds himself increasingly unable to be himself, leading to an existential crisis. Matthias, a master of impersonation, works for a company that rents out people to fill social voids. He is a genius at his job, seamlessly fitting into any role, from a fake son to a supportive companion at a party. But as his professional life thrives, his personal life with his girlfriend, Sophia, falls apart. She accuses him of being a "blank slate," and when she leaves him, Matthias is forced to confront the biggest challenge of his life: figuring out who he is when he isn't playing a role. This is a biting and surreal comedy that critiques a society obsessed with image and performance.

Link IMDB:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29730305/

Link Review: https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/peacock-venice-review/5196240.article

About movie: https://mk2films.com/en/film/peacock/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/at/Film/pfau-bin-ich-echt (Austria), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/pfau-bin-ich-echt (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/peacock-2025 (Spain)

Detailed Summary: An Existential Journey

A sharp and witty satire that explores the absurdity of modern social life and the pressure to perform.

• The film centers on Matthias (Albrecht Schuch), a man who has made a career out of "being the person others want him to be."

• His job is a series of bizarre and hilarious scenarios where he is hired to be an ideal companion, a partner for a difficult conversation, or even just a sparring partner to help someone rehearse a fight.

• The conflict begins when his long-term girlfriend, Sophia, grows tired of his placid and accommodating nature. She feels he is more of a character than a real person and leaves him, prompting him to question his entire identity.

• As Matthias’s life unravels, he is haunted by a menacing former client and goes on a journey to find his true self, leading to increasingly absurd and humiliating situations.

• The film uses a dry, dark, and often absurd sense of humor reminiscent of filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos and Ruben Östlund. It's not about simple jokes but about the comedic power of the uncomfortable and the ridiculous.

Director's Vision: The Art of Discomfort

Bernhard Wenger's debut feature film dissects modern social anxieties with a unique visual and tonal style.

• Bernhard Wenger, known for his award-winning short films, makes a confident transition to feature-length cinema with a unique voice.

• His vision is to expose the "absurdity of our own reality," where people are willing to pay for social validation. He uses a cool, static, and symmetrical visual style to mirror the sterile and overly-curated world of the protagonist.

• The film's humor comes from its visual and situational setups, rather than from dialogue or slapstick. Wenger's use of body language, mise-en-scène, and character reactions creates a palpable sense of awkwardness and discomfort for the audience.

• The film is both a hilarious farce and a sincere character study. Wenger approaches his characters with a degree of empathy, suggesting that Matthias is a victim of a society that rewards perfection and performance.

Themes: Identity, Authenticity, and Performance

A cynical but honest look at what it means to be real in a fake world.

• The Crisis of Identity: The film explores the idea that in a society that demands we "be our best selves" at all times, we might lose track of who we actually are. Matthias's job is a heightened metaphor for everyone's need to perform a role in society.

• The Monetization of Human Connection: The film is a biting critique of capitalism and the "gig economy," showing a world where even friendship and companionship can be bought and sold.

• The Illusion of Control: Matthias's perfectly curated life and his meticulous approach to his job suggest a desire for control. The film shows what happens when that control is lost and chaos ensues.

• The "Peacock" Metaphor: The title refers to a bird that puts on a stunning display to attract a mate, with little substance underneath. This mirrors Matthias, who has a beautiful exterior but a hollow interior.

Key Success Factors: A Strong Performance and a Relevant Concept

The film's strength lies in its timely concept, masterful execution, and a powerful lead performance.

• Albrecht Schuch's Performance: Albrecht Schuch, a highly acclaimed German actor, delivers a phenomenal performance as Matthias. His ability to portray the character's emotional emptiness and gradual breakdown with subtle humor and sincerity is widely praised.

• Timely and Relevant Concept: The film's core idea—renting out companionship—is not only a reality in some parts of the world but is also a powerful metaphor for social media and the pressure to project an idealized self.

• Festival and Critical Acclaim: The film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival and its numerous awards and nominations from festivals around the world have established it as a critical darling and a major new voice in European cinema.

• Unique Blend of Genres: The film's successful combination of dry comedy, social satire, and emotional drama gives it a unique and compelling tone.

Awards and Nominations: A Festival Sensation

The film has been a standout on the international festival circuit, winning multiple awards. Peacock has received significant recognition, including being the Austrian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. It also won the Best First Feature Award at the Stockholm International Film Festival, and Albrecht Schuch was awarded Best Leading Actor at the Austrian Film Awards for his performance.

Critics Reception: Witty, Meticulous, and Hilarious

Critics have overwhelmingly praised the film as a masterful and brilliant debut.

• Variety: The review calls the film a "zingy Austrian comedy" and praises Albrecht Schuch's "graceful, spring-heeled performance." It notes that the film is both a "nimble farce and a broader satirical allegory."

• Cineuropa: A review from this publication highlights the film's "merciless" humor and its "distinct personality and talent" that promises a strong future for the director.

• UK Film Review: This review states that the film is a "captivating tragicomedy" and that Wenger "manages to develop his own voice" while borrowing from acclaimed filmmakers.

Overall Summary: The critical reception is highly positive, with a strong consensus that the film is a smart, funny, and profound social satire.

Reviews: A Laugh-Out-Loud Satire

Reviewers are captivated by the film's smart concept and dark, intelligent humor.

• Reviews have called the film "slyly entertaining" and "a rare comic gem."

• The film is said to be a "must-watch" for fans of dark comedy and social commentary, as it is both consistently funny and deeply thought-provoking.

Overall Summary: The film is seen as a strong comedic effort that earns its laughs through sharp writing and a relatable, albeit absurd, premise.

Release date on streaming: Awaiting announcement

The film is not yet available on major streaming platforms. The film's theatrical release in Germany was in early 2025, and its streaming debut will likely follow a full theatrical run.

Theatrical Release: A European Debut and U.S. Run

The film was released in German-speaking territories in early 2025 and is scheduled for a limited U.S. release on September 19, 2025. The film was released theatrically in Austria and Germany on February 20, 2025. It will have a limited run in the U.S. in the fall.

Why to Watch This Movie: An Essential Social Satire

Watch it for its sharp wit, a fantastic performance, and a timely message about the modern world.

• For Fans of Dark Comedy: If you enjoy the works of directors like Ruben Östlund or Yorgos Lanthimos, this film is a must-see for its similar tone and style.

• A New Cinematic Voice: This is the directorial debut of a talented filmmaker, making it an exciting entry into the world of feature cinema.

• A Film for Our Time: The film is a perfect reflection of a society obsessed with image, making it both a mirror and a critique of our own lives.

Movie Trend: Social Satire on Modern Life

The film follows the trend of "social satire on modern life," which uses humor and absurdity to critique contemporary social and economic issues. This trend, often seen in European cinema, dissects the pressures of the modern world, from the gig economy to social media, and presents them in a way that is both funny and deeply unsettling.

Social Trend: The Rise of Curated Personas

The film taps into the social trend of individuals creating and maintaining curated "personas" for public consumption, both online and in real life. The film's central concept is a hyperbole of a very real social trend where people spend a significant amount of time and energy creating an idealized version of themselves, whether on social media or in their daily interactions. It reflects a societal shift where authenticity is valued, but performance is rewarded.

Final Verdict: A Brilliant and Unforgettable Film

A razor-sharp, hilarious, and ultimately profound film that is a must-see. Peacock is a fantastic film that establishes Bernhard Wenger as a director to watch. With a clever concept, masterful execution, and a powerhouse performance from Albrecht Schuch, it is both a hilarious comedy and a thought-provoking commentary on modern life. It is a brilliant and unsettling film that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the pressure to be someone they're not.