O-Scope Acquires North American Rights to Venice Critics’ Week Film ‘Peacock’

Oscilloscope Laboratories has snagged North American rights to “Peacock,” the debut feature film by Austrian filmmaker Bernhard Wenger. The movie, which was part of the 2024 Venice Critics’ Week lineup, is a quirky dark comedy that delves into the “Rent a Friend” concept popular in Japan and the US. Developed during the Cannes Cinéfondation Residence program in 2020, “Peacock” features Albrecht Schuch from “All Quiet on the Western Front” as Matthias, a self-assured man available for hire to play any social role needed. But as Matthias takes on different personas, his own life starts to crumble.

The film is set to hit theaters later this year and was produced by Michael Kitzberger, Wolfgang Widerhofer from Nikolaus Geyrhalter Filmproduktion, and Martina Haubrich from Cala Filmproduktion. Aaron Katz, the Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at Oscilloscope Laboratories, sealed the deal with mk2 Films for the North American rights. Katz has described “Peacock” as a captivating film, suggesting that if audiences don’t initially love it, they might just need a little nudge from a persuasive cinephile to change their minds.

In other news, Robert De Niro did not hold back in his criticism of Trump’s tariffs during the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival. The legendary actor had some strong words to share amidst the glitz and glamor of the festival’s kickoff.

Stay tuned for more updates and reviews from the world of entertainment!