Movie Night: Cuckoo (2024)

“Cuckoo” is a daring descent into madness that defies convention at every turn, delivering a wildly original and off-kilter thrill ride.

I first watched Tilman Singer‘s Cuckoo during its SXSW International Premiere. I entered my viewing nearly entirely blind and fully receptive to every ounce of weirdness and unexpected genre subversion the film was ready to throw at me. Having recently read a review of the film written by a colleague, I’m convinced this blissful lack of awareness amplified my enjoyment of the film significantly.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, it can feel nigh impossible to avoid the influence of marketing, critical reviews, audience reactions, and other noise that can prejudice our expectations or dampen our enthusiasm. I salute those who try their hardest to enter a film as untainted as possible.

That commitment to viewing purity is especially important for a film like Cuckoo that succeeds in large part thanks to its ability to surprise at every turn.

Is there more than a hint of irony in a film critic telling you to avoid outside influence while attempting to influence you with her own opinion? Undoubtedly. But if I can celebrate a film this bold and original while steering undecided viewers to giving this oddball treasure a chance, it’s worth a bit of hypocrisy.

I will, of course, do my best to avoid spoiling the experience for you.

Cuckoo is a mind-bending journey into the surreal that horror enthusiasts won’t want to miss.

This sophomore feature from the director of Luz proves that Singer is a rising star in the genre, delivering a film that’s as deranged as it is captivating.

The plot follows Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), a teenager who reluctantly moves to a remote resort in the German Alps with her father and his new family. As she navigates this unfamiliar terrain, Gretchen becomes entangled in a labyrinthine mystery involving her father’s enigmatic employer, Mr. König (Dan Stevens), and a series of increasingly bizarre and unsettling occurrences.

What unfolds is a narrative that defies conventional storytelling, blending elements of body horror, psychological thriller, and dark fantasy into a uniquely twisted cinematic experience.

Singer’s direction is fearless, creating a nightmarish landscape that feels simultaneously authentic and unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. His ability to craft an atmosphere of unrelenting dread and disorientation is reminiscent of genre auteurs like Dario Argento, the master of mood and visual style. Yet Singer’s voice remains distinctly his own.

The film’s visual and auditory elements are integral to its unsettling atmosphere.

Cinematographer Paul Faltz masterfully captures the film’s eerie, otherworldly tone, using off-kilter framing and stark contrasts to heighten the sense of unease. The score by Simon Waskow further amplifies this tension, with discordant melodies and unsettling sounds that linger long after the film has ended. Together, these elements create an immersive experience that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish.

Hunter Schafer delivers a tour-de-force performance as Gretchen.

Her portrayal is intense and nuanced, capturing the vulnerability and strength of a character thrust into increasingly surreal and horrifying situations.

Schafer’s ability to convey fear, confusion, and determination makes her a compelling lead, and her performance is one of the film’s highlights. Her work here is reminiscent of her Euphoria co-star Sydney Sweeney’s breakout performance in Immaculate earlier this year, further cementing horror’s reputation for providing meaty roles that allow young actresses to flex their acting muscles.

Dan Stevens brings manic energy to his role as Mr. König, creating a character that is equal parts charismatic and unsettling. His chemistry with Schafer crackles with tension, adding depth to their on-screen interactions.

Stevens’ recent genre work, including standout roles in Abigail and now Cuckoo, demonstrates his versatility and growing presence in horror cinema. As a longtime fan of his work, I love to see his enhanced profile.

One of CUCKOO’s greatest strengths is its willingness to embrace the weird. Singer takes big swings with the narrative, resulting in a film that’s intentionally campy at times but never at the expense of its horror elements.

This approach sets Cuckoo apart in a genre that often feels oversaturated with familiar tropes.

The film’s ability to surprise and shock is exemplified in standout sequences, such as Gretchen’s terrifying encounters with the eerie source of the film’s enigmatic title and a thrilling third act that ratchets the tension to almost unbearable levels.

While Cuckoo is undoubtedly a thrilling ride for fans of the genre, it’s not without its flaws.

The film’s complex and sometimes disjointed narrative may alienate viewers who prefer more straightforward storytelling. Some characters feel underdeveloped, with the emphasis on visual thrills and atmosphere occasionally coming at the expense of deeper character exploration. While compelling, the film’s surreal and twisted elements might be perceived as confusing or overly abstract by some audiences.

Despite these potential weaknesses, Cuckoo brings enough bold vision and creativity to make it an easy recommendation. 

Cuckoo reveals a director who has honed his craft while maintaining the experimental spirit that made his first feature such a critical success.

Luz was praised for its ability to immerse viewers in a hallucinatory experience, and Cuckoo continues this tradition but with even more ambition and visual flair. Where Luz was a tightly contained, almost minimalist exercise in sustained tension, Cuckoo explodes outward, painting on a broader canvas while maintaining the director’s singular vision.

Cuckoo will likely resonate most strongly with horror fans who appreciate films that challenge conventions and push boundaries. It offers a thrilling, often perplexing ride that showcases the talents of its cast and crew.

While it may not be for everyone, those willing to embrace its weirdness will be rewarded with a unique and unforgettable horror experience.

Tilman Singer’s sophomore feature cements his status as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary horror cinema.

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