This horror movie sure is crazy.
Whether we’re talking about resorts, hotels, or motels, classic horror movies like “The Shining” or “Psycho” take place at either of those places with haunting and original results. “Cuckoo” takes place at a resort in the German Alps, and it seems like a perfect place for a horror movie, especially with the villains that emerge there.
Clearly something is wrong with the resort, and we, the audience, are eager to know what dark secrets lurk inside. And to keep things elevated, we have Hunter Scaffer as the young heroine, and Dan Stevens as the crazily fun villain.
As the film begins, a teenage musician named Gretchen (Schafer) is forced to move with her father Luis (Martin Csokas), her step-mother Beth (Jessica Henwick), and her mute half sister Alma (Mila Lieu) to a resort, run by their boss Herr Konig (Dan Stevens). So while her parents are designing a new resort, the girl is working as a receptionist. Little does she know that she’s in for a nightmare.
Sonic vibrations happen, which causes Alma to suffer from seizures. Not the life-threatening ones Charles Xavier presented in “Logan,” but they do have Gretchen suffering from hallucinations. Or whatever is happening at the moment, because scenes do repeat occasionally and there are shrieks every now and then. I probably should have covered my ears at those scenes.
Gretchen’s biological mother has passed away, and we hear her trying to call her to inform her that she will return to America one way or another, and whatever horrifying situation happens. At least I think that’s what’s happening at the time, but you’ll get to that later once you trust my advice on this film.
Ever since she’s been in the alps, she starts getting chased by a crazy hooded woman (Kalin Morrow), who disappears whenever help arrives. Each time it happens, she gets injured, and all times, nobody believes her about that woman. Not even her father, who knows she was on drugs at the time. Except for the detective Henry (Jan Bluthardt), who has been trying to find that woman for a while, and requires the young lady’s assistance.
“Cuckoo” was written and directed by Tilman Singer, who previous credits consist of short films: “The Events at Mr. Yamamoto’s Alpine Residence” and “El fin del mundo,” and the German supernatural horror film “Luz.” He seems to following in the great tradition of horror films like “The Shining” or “Rosemary’s Baby” without being so predictable like how the nun horror film “Immaculate” was.
Stevens has played a German character before in “I’m Your Man,” and he is fluent in the language. So, he seems perfect to play a villain with a nutty nature, especially with his presence, style, and dialogue. And so far, this year, he has played two fun villains in “Abigail” and now, “Cuckoo.”
And Schafer, who began her acting career with “Euphoria” and was also just seen in “Kinds of Kindness,” matches the mood of Gretchen. She seems like the kind of teenager who wants nothing to do with her family or the resort, and transitions into a horror movie character trying to make sense out of the new terrors in her life. And therefore, it’s an unbelievable performance from her.
This is a mind-boggling movie, which means that it’s not always easy to understand, and it’s going to take some time for us to process what is really going on at this resort. I still need to process things myself, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the movie for what it is. In fact, I had fun trying to fit the pieces of this puzzle together.
“Cuckoo” will definitely make you go nuts. I know I did.
