In Tilman Singer's sophomore feature "Cuckoo," Hunter Schafer takes center stage as Gretchen, a 17-year-old American thrust into a surreal Alpine nightmare. This genre-defying film blends elements of sci-fi, body horror, and Alps noir, creating a unique cinematic experience set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic German mountain resort.
The story unfolds at Resort Alpschatten, a picturesque yet outdated ski oasis nestled in the German Alps. Gretchen, still reeling from her mother's recent passing, reluctantly joins her father Luis (Marton Csokas), stepmother Beth (Jessica Henwick), and young half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu) in their new home. The family dynamics are strained, with Gretchen feeling like an outsider in her father's new life.
As Gretchen navigates her new surroundings, she encounters a series of increasingly bizarre and unsettling events. The resort's owner, Herr König (Dan Stevens), takes an unsettling interest in her, while mysterious occurrences plague the guests and staff. Stevens delivers a standout performance, infusing his character with a disquieting blend of charm and menace.
Singer's direction shines in several key sequences, including a thrilling nighttime chase scene and moments of time-bending horror. The film's use of 35mm film adds a tactile quality to the visuals, enhancing the retro-tinged atmosphere of the resort.
"Why does Herr König keep a small wooden flute in his pocket, pulling it out every now and then to play a little ditty toward the distant tree line?"
As Gretchen delves deeper into the resort's secrets, she forms alliances with a fellow guest (Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey) and a determined detective (Jan Bluthardt). The investigation leads to revelations about mysterious creatures and reproductive horrors that lurk beneath the surface of this seemingly tranquil setting.
While the film's final act becomes somewhat convoluted, "Cuckoo" ultimately finds its emotional core in the evolving relationship between Gretchen and Alma. Their bond, forged in the face of familial dysfunction and external threats, provides a poignant counterpoint to the film's more outlandish elements.
"Cuckoo" is a bold and unconventional addition to the horror genre, blending familiar tropes with fresh ideas. Schafer's nuanced performance anchors the film, while Stevens revels in his role as the enigmatic and increasingly unhinged Herr König. Singer's direction keeps viewers on edge, balancing moments of genuine terror with dark humor and unexpected pathos.
With its R rating for violence, bloody images, language, and brief teen drug use, "Cuckoo" is not for the faint of heart. However, for those willing to embrace its peculiar charms, the film offers a unique and memorable journey into the heart of Alpine darkness.