By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.75 cats
Director: Bernhard Wenger
Starring: Albrecht Schuch | Anton Noori | Julia Franz Richter | Salka Weber | Theresa Frostad Eggesbø
Original language title: Pfau - Bin ich echt?
Year: 2025
Running time: 102
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29730305/reference/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_5_nm_3_in_0_q_peacock
Chris says: “Matthias (handsome beanpole Albrecht Schuch) has a most unusual job ‘renting’ himself out to temporarily be whomever one needs him to: whether a friend, son, father or dinner-date companion, he’s a willing blank slate, a cipher who can fulfill any need or role. A great idea in theory but one that has serious complications for his personal life as he can’t stop being whomever anyone wants him to be even when he’s not being asked to perform.
“As a zany comedy by design, PEACOCK works best whenever it’s funny; when it tries to aim for something deeper such as pathos, it’s a little wobbly, not fully pulling off the tonal shifts needed to add depth and nuance to Matthias’ plight. Happily, it just ramps up the absurdity in its final act, arriving in a place not far off from Ruben Ostlund’s THE SQUARE, only arguably more inspired (give this to Schuch, he totally commits to the bit.) This won the audience award for Best Narrative feature at IFFBoston this year, which I did not expect but can see why: for all it does to explore the consequences that come from being a likable cipher, the film’s likability (and humor) is perhaps its greatest asset. 3.5 cats
“(IFF Boston 2025 film #6: unsure what US distribution looks like and sharing a name with a streaming app doesn’t help!)”
Julie says: “The main character was great as the perfect rent a friend. Cultured, sophisticated, charming. So was his dual, rent a friend Mia Farrow-esque partner. Good black humor story about a man who excels at playing other people but starts to lose his own identity. Good story – great prod design, cinematography and music. I loved the ending. This one you just have to go with the flow and not over analyze it. 4.25 cats”
Michael says: “Matthias works for a company that hires out ‘companions,’ friends, partners, family members, whatever you need for your given circumstance. Need a date for an important event? Need a son to show what a good father you are? Need someone to practice arguing with so you can stand up to your sometimes unreasonable husband? Matthias is your man. Matthias is so agreeable, that he doesn’t seem to have any options of his own, in fact, his girlfriend isn’t even sure he’s a real, three-dimensional person anymore.
“When confronted with this, Matthias is stunned, and tries to figure out what’s wrong. The film explores several directions that are both funny and cringe-worthy, eventually spiraling to a grand finale that is an apt conclusion, but doesn’t truly resolve anything.
“I was left a little bit underwhelmed immediately after seeing the film, but it has grown on me with time. First time feature writer/director Bernhard Wenger has constructed an amusing dark comedy that explores the things we give up to make others happy or comfortable. and lead actor Albrecht Schuch is pretty remarkable and entertaining as the beleaguered Matthias. 3.5 cats
“Screened at the Independent Film Festival Boston, Brattle Theatre
“Winner of the Best Narrative Audience Award”