Cuckoo review: Hunter Schafer exceeded the expectations

Modified Aug 10, 2024 07:08 GMT

After making Luz a success, German filmmaker Tilman Singer is back with a thriller named Cuckoo. The movie was released in theaters on August 9, 2024, and since then it has been receiving applaudable reviews from critics and moviegoers. This film takes viewers into the eerie settings of the German Alps, where an unsettling plot opens the door to a young American girl, Gretchen, who is played by Hunter Schafer.

Alongside Schafer, the film stars Marton Csokas as her father, Luis, with Jessica Henwick as her stepmother, Beth, and Mila Lieu as her mute half-sister, Alma. The story begins with the family settling in a remote resort to start anew after a tragic loss, only to find themselves entangled in a horrifying conspiracy orchestrated by the resort’s owner, Herr Konig, who is portrayed by Dan Stevens.

Hunter Schafer's performance in Cuckoo far exceeded expectations because she brought a raw and profound depth to her character Gretchen. Her portrayal is deeply moving and visually pleasing because it points out the turbulent emotions of a teenager thrown into bizarre and disturbing situations.

Schafer made subtle changes in her character's mood and intentions, which further created a sense of suspense that enriches the film. Her interactions with other characters showed her range of acting, which further reinforced her position as a standout talent in a challenging role.

Cuckoo review: Plot and structure

Hunter Schafer in the film (Image via Neon Fiction Park)

Cuckoo unwraps a tightly woven story that slowly reveals the creepy secrets of a secluded Alpine resort. At the heart of the plot is Gretchen, who with her family gets caught up in the sinister undertakings lurking under the resort's calm exterior. As Gretchen begins her job at the resort, she stumbles upon weird and unsettling incidents that clearly hint that things aren't quite right.

The film does a great job pacing itself, letting the tension build slowly, which pulls the audience further into its twisted story. Each revelation is carefully timed to maintain a balance of intrigue and clarity, further keeping the audience engaged and anxious for what lies ahead.

Character development

In Cuckoo, character arcs are quite crucial, with Gretchen’s journey reflecting a profound transformation from isolation to protector. Hunter Schafer delivers a raw and relatable portrayal of a teenager going through grief and displacement.

Her evolving relationship with her half-sister Alma, who is played with silent intensity by Mila Lieu, anchors the emotional core of the film. Dan Stevens’ Herr Konig is equally applaudable because he embodies a charm that masks malevolent intentions.

Themes and symbolism

Cuckoo has embedded themes of alienation and identity within its horror framework, and the use of the cuckoo bird’s lifecycle as a metaphor for the invasive disruption of Gretchen's life offers a clever parallel to the human drama unclogging.

The symbolic layer creates a rich texture on the plot, which prompts viewers to consider the nature of familial bonds and personal autonomy. The film also tackles themes of control and manipulation, in turn making pointed commentary on the impact of external influences on personal and familial stability.

Visuals and sound design

The visual presentation of Cuckoo is a standout feature, with the stark beauty of the German Alps providing a contrast to the film's dark themes. Cinematographer Paul Faltz captures the isolation and vulnerability of the characters through claustrophobic framing and a muted color palette.

And speaking of the sound design, it complements the visuals with an unsettling background score by Simon Waskow that amplifies the film's tense atmosphere. Sound plays a strategic role in building suspense and foreboding, particularly through the use of disorienting auditory effects that mirror the characters' psychological turmoil.

Cuckoo is available in theaters now.

Edited by Somava