Keynotes
- The film excels in creating a haunting atmosphere, using the beautiful yet isolating Bavarian Alps setting to build a sense of dread and claustrophobia. The cinematography, sound design, and score work together to maintain a constant feeling of unease throughout the movie.
- Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens deliver standout performances that anchor the film. Schafer convincingly portrays the alienation and grief of her character Gretchen, while Stevens creates a menacing and enigmatic presence as Herr König. Their on-screen chemistry drives much of the film’s tension.
- While the film is praised for its atmosphere and performances, it’s noted that the plot becomes increasingly surreal and potentially confusing, especially in the third act. The director seems more focused on evoking visceral reactions and exploring themes than providing clear explanations, which may divide audiences but also invite multiple viewings and interpretations.
In his sophomore effort, director Tilman Singer delivers a haunting and atmospheric thriller that intrigues and unsettles audiences.
“Cuckoo” takes us on a journey into the heart of the Bavarian Alps, where isolation and dark secrets intertwine in a gripping narrative that challenges our perceptions of reality.
The film follows Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), a grieving 17-year-old American transplanted to a seemingly idyllic resort in Germany after her mother’s demise.
Schafer’s portrayal is raw and captivating, perfectly embodying the disorientation and alienation of a teenager thrust into unfamiliar surroundings.
Her performance anchors the film, providing an emotional core that keeps us invested even as the story takes increasingly bizarre turns.
Dan Stevens shines as the enigmatic Herr König, the resort’s owner.
Stevens imbues the character with a disquieting charm that immediately puts us on edge.
His flawless German accent and piercing gaze create an aura of menace that permeates every scene he’s in.
The tension between König and Gretchen drives much of the film’s suspense, with their interactions becoming increasingly fraught as the story progresses.
Singer’s direction is masterful, utilizing the breathtaking Alpine scenery to create a sense of claustrophobia and dread.
The towering mountains and isolated setting become characters in their own right, amplifying Gretchen’s feelings of confinement and unease.
The cinematography by Paul Faltz is stunning, contrasting the beauty of the landscape with the darkness lurking beneath the surface.
As the plot unfolds, “Cuckoo” delves into territory that is both surreal and disturbing.
Strange occurrences plague the resort – unexplained illnesses, eerie sounds echoing through the woods, and glimpses of a terrifying figure that may or may not be real.
Singer keeps us guessing, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination in a way that mirrors Gretchen’s fragile mental state.
The film’s sound design deserves special mention, with Simon Waskow’s unsettling score and the use of jarring audio cues creating an atmosphere of constant unease.
The recurring motif of bird-like screeches becomes increasingly significant as the story progresses, tying into the film’s themes in unexpected ways.
While “Cuckoo” excels in atmosphere and performance, it sometimes falters in its narrative clarity.
The film’s third act takes some bold swings, introducing elements of body horror and sci-fi that may leave some viewers perplexed.
Singer seems more interested in evoking visceral reactions than providing clear-cut explanations, which may frustrate those looking for a more conventional thriller.
Despite its occasional narrative ambiguity, “Cuckoo” remains a deeply engrossing experience.
The film touches on themes of grief, family dynamics, and bodily autonomy in ways that resonate long after the credits roll.
Schafer and Stevens’ performances alone make the film worth watching, their chemistry creating a palpable tension that keeps us on the edge of our seats.
“Cuckoo” is not a film for everyone. Its blend of psychological horror, body horror, and dark fairy tale elements defies easy categorization.
However, it offers a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience for those willing to embrace its enigmatic nature.
Singer has crafted a work that lingers in the mind, inviting multiple viewings to unpack its layers of meaning.
In the end, “Cuckoo” is a bold and unsettling entry in the psychological thriller genre.
It demands attention and rewards close viewing, even if it doesn’t always provide easy answers.
For fans of atmospheric horror and unconventional storytelling, “Cuckoo” is a must-see that will have you questioning what you’ve witnessed long after the final frame.
