The indie horror film Cuckoo directed by Tilman Singer, hit theaters today and delivers a visually captivating yet perplexing experience. While the narrative may leave some viewers scratching their heads, the film’s eerie atmosphere and standout performances, particularly by Dan Stevens, make it a notable entry in the horror genre.
Set in a mysterious Alpine resort, Cuckoo introduces us to Herr König, a bespectacled German hotelier portrayed by Dan Stevens. His character, with a calm yet menacing demeanor, adds an unsettling layer to the film’s dark and twisted world. The plot centers around 17-year-old Gretchen, played by Hunter Schafer, who navigates a series of bizarre and unexplained events that unravel within the hotel.
The film is filled with strange occurrences—guests wandering aimlessly, vomit in the reception area, and a mysteriously empty hospital. These events are often met with nonchalant responses, such as “It happens,” leaving the audience to piece together the unsettling reality of the resort. Meanwhile, sonic vibrations ripple through the landscape, causing scenes to repeat until they culminate in violent outbursts. Gretchen’s plight is largely ignored by the adults around her, adding a layer of dark humor as her injuries escalate without concern from her father.
Ambiguity plays a significant role in Cuckoo, offering both a sense of mystery and moments of frustration. The film balances the fine line between leaving too much unexplained and over-explaining to the point of diminishing the horror. Despite this, Cuckoo remains undeniably fascinating, with an original storyline that keeps viewers engaged, even when they’re unsure of what’s happening.
Schafer delivers a powerful performance, both physically and emotionally, as her character endures the escalating horrors around her. Her portrayal of Gretchen anchors the film, making the audience care deeply about her fate. Stevens, on the other hand, shines as Herr König, with his chilling presence and sinisterly stylish appearance—tiny rimless glasses and monochrome outfits that exude Scandinavian cool.
The film’s aesthetic choices are heavily influenced by directors like David Lynch and Dario Argento, creating a world that feels dreamlike and nightmarish at the same time. The visual style is a highlight, from the Hitchcockian glamour of a ghoul in a hooded trench coat and white-framed sunglasses to the sleek and modern home where Gretchen’s family resides.
Gretchen’s relationship with her detached father (Martin Csokas), stepmother (Jessica Henwick), and mute half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu) adds emotional depth to the film. As Alma begins experiencing seizures during the mysterious vibrations, the family’s attention shifts entirely to her, leaving Gretchen to fend for herself. This dynamic, coupled with Gretchen’s desperate voicemails to her mother in America, paints a vivid portrait of a fractured family struggling to cope with the strange happenings around them.
As with many horror films, the final reveals in Cuckoo may not fully satisfy every viewer. The attempts to explain the bizarre occurrences at the resort might feel strained or incomplete, but the film’s emotional resonance and the strong performances by Schafer and Stevens ultimately pay off.
Dan Stevens deserves special recognition for his role in Cuckoo. Known for his versatility, Stevens continues to impress with his ability to take on unique and challenging characters. His performance as Herr König is no exception, adding another memorable role to his growing repertoire.
Cuckoo, released by Neon, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language, brief teen drug use, bloody images, and violence. With a running time of 102 minutes, the film earns two and a half stars out of four. While it may not be perfect, Cuckoo is a stylish and unsettling horror film that’s well worth a watch for fans of the genre.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
