A teenager reluctantly moves to the German Alps to live with her father and his family, picking up a job at a vacation resort with an eccentric owner. As she struggles to adjust and find her place, she’ll uncover a dark secret that turns the scenic mountain town into a horrifying nightmare. Starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens, Cuckoo is a bold and bizarre psychological horror with impeccable style and a retro horror vibe.
Written and directed by Tilman Singer, the film has an enigmatic story steeped in a throwback aesthetic, giving it the feeling of an old-school B-movie—which it continuously leans more heavily into. This is my favorite aspect, as it’s not afraid to take some curious risks. And Singer is the mad scientist piecing all its quirky elements together; from stylistic choices to performances to the climatic finale. Which also highlights the giallo influence.
With a picturesque backdrop and warm ambiance, it has a solid setting that begins to isolate the main character. I couldn’t help but compare the resort location, in part, to The Shining‘s Overlook Hotel (but with actual living guests). I’m not sure if the reference was intentional, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
In terms of performance, this film has two incredible actors in its lead roles. I was particularly impressed by Schafer, who is a wonderful leading lady. She delivers the more intimate moments with vulnerability as her character grieves a heavy loss. Then is an equally badass final girl who can hold her own in the horror genre.
On the other hand, we have Stevens, who fully embodies his character, the resort owner, with great enthusiasm and theatricality. It’s clear he’s enjoying himself immensely and isn’t hesitant to go overboard with his performance. This further accentuates the exaggerated nature of the film and its similarity to some of the low-budget classics in the genre.
While the film is a lot of fun, as it progresses towards the third act and we learn more about the plot, the explanation feels a bit convoluted. While it fits in with the excessive nature of a schlocky 70s horror movie, it can also be an obstacle as you try to comprehend it while still enjoying the action.
But despite that, I found Cuckoo to be a unique and entertaining film that offers a fresh take while paying homage to its inspiration. With standout performances, the film is a must-watch if you’re in the mood for a stylish and peculiar horror movie.
Cuckoo hits theaters August 9
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