Running Time: 102 Minutes
Starring: Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, Jessica Henwick, Marton Csokas, Mila Lieu, Greta Fernández, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Proschat Madani, Kalin Morrow, Jan Bluthardt
Following his feature debut with 2018's Luz, writer/director Tilman Singer returns with a follow-up that has an equally intriguing one-word title. Cuckoo opens on the sound of arguing voices, as the clashing parents are only seen by their shadows. Upstairs, a child begins shaking in her bed before running into the woods to escape the clashing parents. What appears to be a childhood escape attempt reveals itself as something more sinister, with a phone call cryptically saying that a replacement is on the way.
This fascinating opening transitions into a familys moving day to The Bavarian Alps. Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) would rather stay at her mother's home in America, but she is forced to move with her father, Luis (Marton Csokas), his wife, Beth (Jessica Henwick), and their mute daughter, Alma (Mila Lieu). The parents have a new job redesigning a local resort owned by the odd Herr König (Dan Stevens), who also gives Gretchen a desk job. However, strange occurrences happen from her first night on the job, which includes random attacks by a screaming blonde woman (Kalin Morrow).
In the central role, Schafer delivers a terrific portrayal that captures the teenager's vulnerabilities hidden behind a tough front and a butterfly knife. Desperately missing her mother, Gretchen finds those feelings worsened due to how ignored she feels in favour of Alma. The teen may retaliate with disdain, but she ultimately cares for her sister more than she lets on, as evidenced by her learning sign language to communicate with her mute sibling.
Of all the adults at the resort, the closest to understand Gretchen's pain is the investigative Henry (Jan Bluthardt). Both are trying to move forward to attempt healing their inner hurt, although it becomes clear how close to madness Henry is regarding the surroundings. While the German resort appears to be an idyllic place for a holiday, it masks a sinister underbelly that is effectively reflected in the accented architect. Stevens is having a blast as the figure with shades of Dr. Moreau, whose friendly and welcoming guise masks a sinister presence lurking beneath.
Bizarre circumstances are effectively conveyed as Singer plays with time, with the occurrences unfolding in hypnotic ways that invoke Giallo cinema, aided by Simon Waskow's score. If the resort had a mascot, it would be the blonde woman whose feral determination bursts forth in chilling scenes. While this makes for a great film, it could have been even stronger with a slimmer runtime. Despite the compelling parts, there is a feeling that the film runs a bit too long, while unfortunately underutilizing Jessica Henwick. Despite these issues, Cuckoo is an effective genre mash-up that crafts its own distinctive identity amidst a timeless feeling location.
Cuckoo made its Montreal Premiere at Fantasia 2024
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