Peacock’s gripping thriller “All Her Fault,” featuring Sarah Snook and Jake Lacy, has captivated audiences with its intense narrative centered around the ultra-wealthy Irvine family. The limited series follows Marissa (Snook) and Peter Irvine, whose lives unravel after their five-year-old son, Milo (Duke McCloud), is kidnapped by Carrie (Sophia Lillis), the nanny for another child at his private school. The tension escalates in the finale when Marissa, in a desperate bid to protect herself and Milo, murders Peter.
The series, adapted from Andrea Mara’s novel of the same name and created by Megan Gallagher, marks Snook’s first television role following her Emmy Award win for “Succession.” Snook expressed her desire to explore the thriller genre and tackle the complex emotions that accompany living in high-stakes situations. “I’d never done a thriller. I wanted to see what it’s like to live inside a harrowing moment,” she detailed. Her character provides a compelling study in crisis management, evolving from a loving mother into a conflicted figure grappling with profound betrayal and violence.
In “All Her Fault,” the narrative intricately reveals dark family secrets, including the shocking confession that Milo is not Marissa’s biological son. Following a traumatic car accident years prior, Peter had switched Milo with another infant, igniting a series of emotional and moral dilemmas. As the story unfolds, Marissa’s struggle intensifies when she learns about Peter’s unspeakable actions, including the murder of Carrie’s father to silence her.
The climax builds around Marissa’s reaction to the revelations about Peter. Ultimately, she resorts to fatal measures when he attempts to take control of their lives one last time. Mixing sounds of frantic emotion and calculated decision-making, Snook portrays Marissa’s internal conflicts as she faces the fallout of her choices.
The series deftly balances shock and empathy, culminating in a final scene where Marissa and her friend Jenny (Dakota Fanning), who has also navigated her own tumultuous relationship, bond over wine while watching their sons. This moment hints at resilience and the potential for new beginnings in the wake of chaos.
In recent interviews, Snook has reflected on the transformative journey of her character and the complexities of working within such emotionally charged scenarios. Drawing comparisons to her role as Shiv in “Succession,” Snook noted that, while both characters are wealthy, Marissa is more relatable and grounded. “Shiv is much more of a cold-hearted character, whereas Marissa is warm and personable,” she shared.
As “All Her Fault” concludes its run, it showcases the dual nature of motherhood, wealth, and the lengths to which one might go to protect family. With its thrilling twists and emotional depth, the series is a significant entry into the contemporary landscape of psychological thrillers, leaving viewers with a mix of satisfaction and moral contemplation. The show’s ability to engage with the darker aspects of human nature while also providing a sense of strength and community provides a hopeful reflection on resilience in the face of adversity.