PEACOCK

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
JULY 9, 2010

“Peacock” can be seen as a modern-day homage to Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” Cillian Murphy stars as John Skillpa, a seemingly ordinary bank clerk. However, the film quickly reveals that the Skillpa household harbors secrets far beyond what first meets the eye.

The town of Peacock is unaware of Emma Skillpa’s existence until a dramatic train accident breaches the Skillpa’s backyard fence, thrusting her into the community’s awareness. This incident sets off a tense conflict between Emma’s emergent will and John’s desperate resistance to change.

Murphy’s portrayal of both John and Emma is masterful, reminiscent of Anthony Perkins’ iconic performance as Norman Bates. He seamlessly transitions between characters, capturing the nuances that made “Psycho” a classic.

Susan Sarandon delivers a strong performance as the governor’s wife, whose arrogance and societal status exacerbate the tension between Emma and John. However, Ellen Page’s role as a prostitute and mother feels miscast, detracting from the film’s overall impact.

Writer-director Michael Lander crafts a simple yet twisted narrative set against the backdrop of a quaint, small-town atmosphere. While the townsfolk’s inability to discern the shocking truths within the Skillpa household may seem implausible, the film’s nods to Norman Bates and his infamous mantra, “a boy’s best friend is his mother,” resonate strongly. Despite its straight-to-DVD release, “Peacock” offers a fresh and intriguing reinterpretation of a Hitchcockian theme.