Cuckoo, the latest film from German director Tilman Singer, serves as a follow-up to his 2018 debut, Luz. Without any prior exposure to trailers or reviews, it became clear early on just how literal the film’s title is. The film opens with a young woman, portrayed in pajamas and displaying unusual, animal-like behavior, fleeing what seems to be her home and disappearing into the night. Dubbed a “nestling” by an off-screen voice, it hints that the protagonist, played by Hunter Schafer, is trapped in a narrative involving transformation into a human cuckoo bird.
Schafer plays Gretchen, a troubled American teenager grappling with the recent death of her mother. She is forced to move in with her father Luis, his younger English wife Beth, and their mute daughter Alma in a remote Alpine setting. Luis and Beth, both architects, have relocated from the United States to take on a new project at a resort, which adds to Gretchen’s resentment as she feels displaced and unwelcome in her father’s new family.
With her bad mood having an impact on her family dynamics, Gretchen takes a job at the resort’s front desk. On her first day, she discovers the strange behavior of guests at the resort and strict rules imposed by Herr König, the resort’s owner. When she accidentally swaps shifts and works a night, she encounters a bizarre, disoriented woman who becomes the catalyst for a series of terrifying events. This leads to a head injury for Gretchen and escalating concerns when her half-sister Alma begins to experience seizures, exacerbated by Gretchen’s issues.
Singer continues his homage to giallo horror with Cuckoo, drawing comparisons to classic films while introducing a plot involving a nefarious institution targeting Gretchen. Although the narrative becomes chaotic and absurd, it benefits from evocative cinematography and a sense of nostalgia, even if the storyline lacks coherence.
Dan Stevens delivers a captivating performance as Herr König, contributing an air of menace to the film. His role as a charming yet enigmatic character adds intrigue as he oscillates between wanting to protect Gretchen and revealing darker intentions.
Cuckoo also weaves in a poignant emotional subplot where Gretchen copes with her grief by leaving voicemails for her deceased mother. Schafer effectively captures the essence of a teenager in turmoil, enhancing the emotional weight of the story amid the looming threats.
Some may argue that the film’s tone doesn’t fully embrace its bizarre narrative; however, the combination of seriousness and absurdity provides a unique charm that sets it apart in the horror genre. The film ultimately offers a refreshing take on the themes of family, identity, and the supernatural, making for an engaging horror experience.
Director: Tilman Singer
Writer: Tilman Singer
Starring: Hunter Schafer, Jan Bluthardt, Marton Csokas, Jessica Henwick, Dan Stevens
Release Date: August 9, 2024