A standout feature of the new horror film “Cuckoo” is the lead performance by Hunter Schafer, who brings a compelling depth to her character. In this film, directed by Tilman Singer, Schafer portrays Gretchen, a 17-year-old girl grappling with her family’s move from the United States to the Bavarian Alps. Their move centers around her father and stepfather’s work on a resort development run by Herr König, played by Dan Stevens. However, the story takes a darker turn when a mysterious hooded woman begins to stalk and attack Gretchen, but her family remains oblivious to her terror.
As the film progresses, Gretchen feels increasingly isolated from her family, who are preoccupied with her stepsister Alma, a mute girl who communicates through sign language and her phone. After a harrowing encounter with the hooded figure, Gretchen finds herself in a hospital room where she realizes her family has hardly noticed her presence. Schafer’s portrayal conveys a potent mix of frustration and loneliness, capturing the essence of a teenager lost in a chaotic environment.
While “Cuckoo” effectively delivers on the horror aspect, it also allows Schafer to showcase her comedic timing. In one scene, she assists Ed, a French woman played by Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, at the resort’s front desk, leading to an amusing exchange where she awkwardly inquires about Ed’s relationship status. Schafer’s performance brims with innocence and nervous charm, tracking her character’s internal struggle.
The tension escalates when Gretchen confronts König, demanding answers about their relocation to Bavaria. Her outburst, questioning Königs’s cryptic remarks, adds a layer of humor to a tense situation. This blend of wit and raw emotion reinforces Gretchen’s character as unapologetically honest.
As the film reaches its climax, Schafer transitions seamlessly into a more physical role. Her character’s journey involves a fierce struggle as she learns to use a butterfly knife, ultimately leading to a dramatic showdown with the hooded woman, who turns out to have deeper ties to her family.
The film’s emotional core is revealed when Gretchen uncovers that her sister Alma is not human but a being preserved by König, and the hooded woman is her mother. In a poignant scene, Schafer communicates with Alma in sign language, expressing their love and hope for survival. Here, Schafer’s ability to convey complex emotions shines through, capturing the turmoil of Gretchen’s long-standing feelings of neglect within her family.
In its entirety, “Cuckoo” is both a horror film and a powerful examination of familial bonds and identity, with Schafer’s performance standing out as a potential hallmark in her burgeoning career. The film encapsulates her journey from a frightened teenager to a determined individual, making her portrayal of Gretchen resonate with authenticity and depth.