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Peacock

Peacock

If he only knew what she was doing?

201090 minPG-13Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films
Director
Michael Lander
Starring
Cillian Murphy, Elliot Page, Susan Sarandon, Jaimi Paige

A minor train accident in rural Nebraska gradually unveils a mystery involving the town's reclusive bank clerk.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Peacock?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Peacock streaming on Peacock, STARZ and Tubi (free).

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Peacock?

Peacock earns 3 badges, led by Standout acting and Haunting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Peacock worth watching?

Peacock's Midcredits score is the 50th percentile of all films, from 24K ratings across 4 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

50th percentile

Better received than 50% of films

48th percentile among Drama50th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)50th
Approval (how many liked it)49th

61 /100

50th percentile of all films

49th percentile among Drama50th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama49th percentile among 2010s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

86th percentile

24K ratings across platforms

88th percentile among Drama87th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 14% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a slow-building, offbeat character study anchored by Cillian Murphy's committed dual performance as a man with dissociative identity disorder living in a small town.

Fans praised

  • Cillian Murphy's dual performance as John and Emma is astonishing and career-best
  • Atmospheric, patient storytelling with Hitchcockian influences
  • Strong supporting cast including Sarandon and Page in well-chosen roles

Detractors panned

  • Premise is absurd: no one recognizes John in obvious drag
  • Slow, tedious pacing with no real suspense or payoff
  • Underwritten script with wasted potential and confusing, abrupt ending

What stands out

Acting85

Murphy's transformative dual role as John and Emma widely praised as Oscar-worthy

AtmosphereDivisive72

Gloomy, claustrophobic small-town mood with Hitchcockian overtones

OriginalityDivisive65

Unique angle on multiple-personality drama despite Psycho comparisons

Characters60

John/Emma are compelling protagonists but thin supporting roles

Plot and storyDivisive40

Implausible central conceit that no one recognizes John

PacingDivisive35

Deliberately slow burn but often described as tedious

EndingDivisive30

Abrupt, ambiguous finale leaves many viewers frustrated

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 17 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Peacock like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicWarm
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its psychological drama straight, with a brooding and tender approach to its characters.
The rideThe film maintains a brooding tension, punctuated by moments of tenderness from Emma, building to a grim climax.
StructureThe story unfolds in linear chronology from the train crash to the resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe unresolved ending lingers, leaving the viewer with questions about identity and the consequences of childhood trauma.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1% (this title)
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Inner demon: The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA shy bank clerk's secret female alter ego is exposed to the town after a train accident, forcing a struggle for control of his life.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% (this title) · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsTrauma · 7% of filmsMental illness · 1% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the split identity of John and Emma, born from childhood abuse, as they vie for control of one life.
StanceThe film interrogates the nature of identity and the lasting damage of abuse through John's divided self.

The world

ContemporarySmall townDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
AmbientElectronicForeground music · original score · Brian Reitzell
Settingsmall Nebraska town
MusicReitzell's score adds to the film's eerie and melancholy atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Peacock okay for kids?

PG-13

Peacock is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic material and a scene of violence” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (45/100), sexual content at mild (26/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at moderate (43/100). Overall it is heavier than 32% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • JapanR15+
  • Belgium12
  • Norway15
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 23% of all filmsHeavier than 32% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 49%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 43%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 26%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 72%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 47%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 49% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Peacock have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Peacock?

Cast

Cillian Murphy
as John Skillpa
Elliot Page
as Maggie
Susan Sarandon
as Fanny Crill
Jaimi Paige
as Wanda
Josh Lucas
as Officer Tom McGonigle
Virginia Newcomb
as Doris
Keith Carradine
as Ray Crill
Bill Pullman
as Edmund French
Graham Beckel
as Connor Black
Chris Carlson
as Neil

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Peacock?

Movies like Peacock include Secret Window (2004), Girl, Interrupted (1999) and The Dark Half (1993). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories of toxic codependency, and several are films about mental illness.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Peacock?

2.4K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: rivals. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.