Rating: 3.5/5
Synopsis:
“Cuckoo” proves that the horror genre is keeping inventive storytelling alive. We follow Gretchen, a teenage girl who leaves America to live with her father in the German Alps. the resort is operated by Mr. Konig, a mysterious man who happens to be her father’s boss. But when Gretchen begins to experience strange visions and noises inside her head, she realizes that this seemingly perfect paradise may have a darker agenda beneath the surface. Can Gretchen get to the bottom of Mr. Konig’s motivations? Or will she become a permanent resident of his resort?
Positives:
I didn’t know what to expect from “Cuckoo”. Based on the mysterious previews and enticing premise, I had hopes that it would do something different. It certainly did that…but I can see where some mainstream audiences could be turned off by the story. The film provided white knuckle tension and a story engulfed in mystery. It begins with an unnerving sequence that opens up questions as the film goes on. The presentation of the larger mystery at hand while grabbing the viewer’s attention immediately is impressive. I continue to be impressed with indie horror films as they prove Hollywood isn’t out of fresh ideas. I’ll continue to advocate that audiences see horror films in the theaters because it encourages creative content and new stories. So credit to “Cuckoo” for continuing this trend.
The cast gives appropriately creepy performances too. Hunter Schafer does well enough with the leading role, providing a character filled with angst and confusion about her new life. But Dan Stevens is the one who chews up the screen time here. He is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. His performance is intense yet restrained as Mr. Konig. We are constantly wondering what hides beneath his kind demeanor and buttoned up presentation. It’s fascinating to see his character unfold throughout the film as his plan comes to fruition. Jan Bluthardt also provides a nice supporting performance as the foil to Mr. Konig. Outside of the cast’s work, the film is well shot. There are some beautiful sequences featuring the magnitude of the German Alps. But at the same time, we also feel trapped in this remote setting with Gretchen, adding to the underlying tension in this seemingly perfect existence. I have to credit the film with providing some of the most unsettling scenes of the year. There are a handful of brilliantly executed scenes that feature figures lurking in the dark, adrenaline inducing chases, and body horror that will get under the skin. Credit to director Tilman Singer for executing these sequences so well.
Negatives:
Although “Cuckoo” does a lot for the horror genre, it unfortunately fumbles the story in the latter half of the film. The premise is endlessly engaging but some of the revealing details feel unsatisfying. It’s almost as if the writers had an amazing idea but couldn’t figure out how to tie everything together. By the time major details come to the surface, I was left scratching my head as to how they made sense in the greater story. Or better yet, thought…”that’s the explanation!?” This isn’t the case with every aspect but some of the larger ones felt wonky in their execution. There aren’t many issues I have with the film, just a few major problems with the ideas and explanations of the mystery.
Conclusion:
I had a good time with “Cuckoo”. Its fresh story and mysterious setting make for a great experience. Unfortunately, the way the mystery unfolds isn’t the most satisfying…but I wouldn’t steer audiences away from checking out the film for that reason. Dan Stevens is great as always and the scares are intense. Give it a watch for a chilly mystery and some genuine scares.
