Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)
Released 08-09-2024
Watched 08-09-2024
Reviewed 08-13-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
Cuckoo, directed by Tilman Singer, is a film that promises a chilling blend of science fiction and horror but ultimately fails to deliver on its potential. Despite an intriguing premise and a visually striking setting in the Bavarian Alps, the movie stumbles over its convoluted plot and underwhelming execution, leaving viewers more confused than scared.
The film follows Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), a grieving teenager who moves with her family to a remote resort town where strange occurrences soon unfold. Schafer delivers a commendable performance, bringing a blend of vulnerability and determination to her role. Dan Stevens, playing the enigmatic Herr König, is another standout, adding a layer of dark humor to his otherwise sinister character. Unfortunately, These strong performances are not enough to save Cuckoo from its missteps.
The film is impressive visually. Shot on 35mm film, it captures the eerie beauty of its alpine setting with a nostalgic, grainy texture that adds to its unsettling atmosphere. Using practical effects over CGI is refreshing in a genre often dominated by digital trickery, giving the film a tangible, old-school horror vibe.
However, where Cuckoo falters most is in its narrative. The plot is a tangled web of ideas—brood parasitism, time loops, mysterious creatures—none of which are fully explored or satisfactorily resolved. The film tries to juggle too many concepts simultaneously, resulting in a disjointed story that never quite finds its footing. The climax, which should have been a payoff for the film’s slow-burn tension, feels rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many questions unanswered and the audience more frustrated than thrilled.
Another issue is the film’s tone. Cuckoo oscillates between taking itself too seriously and attempting to be self-aware but never fully commits to either approach. This indecisiveness robs the film of any coherent identity, making it hard to gauge whether it’s aiming for psychological horror or a campy thriller.
Cuckoo could have been much more. A muddled plot and a disappointing ending overshadow its strong performances and atmospheric visuals. While it’s not without its moments, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity—an ambitious but flawed experiment in genre filmmaking.
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