Cuckoo

Rating 7/10

Still grieving the loss of her mother, teenager Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) moves to a remote village in Germany’s Bavarian Alps with her father (Marton Csokas) and his new wife (Jessica Henwick). The tension between Gretchen and her mute half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu) is palpable, while the eerie surroundings offer little comfort.

Herr König (Dan Stevens) runs the resort with an iron hand. He immediately takes a special interest in Gretchen. The handsome yet inscrutable manager offers her a job at the luxury hotel, and she accepts. As Gretchen settles into the role, working alongside a woman named Trixie (Greta Fernandez), she begins to notice strange occurrences, such as guests who fall ill. In search of answers, Gretchen must confront the disturbing secrets hidden within the facility.

Great horror films often thrive on atmosphere, and this one is no exception. With its grand facade and spooky ambiance, the inn provides the backdrop for a series of unsettling events. It crafts a chilling tone through a secluded setting and the peculiar, almost otherworldly presence of Herr König. English actor Dan Stevens is the picture’s MVP. The Downton Abbey star has been a standout in his recent projects (Abigail, Godzilla x Kong, Eurovision Song Contest, The Rental). Herr König occasionally plays the flute, an ominous birdcall of sorts that seems to have supernatural effects. The setup is excellent and hints at his dark agenda.

The saga’s attempt to weave complex horror with psychological unease is ambitious. As developments arise, Gretchen must face the truth about her family. The screenplay introduces intriguing elements—like time loops and puzzling experiments.  Meanwhile, enigmatic figures hint at darker forces at play. This includes a detective (Jan Bluthardt) and a hooded woman (Kalin Morrow). The account excels in creating an uneasy vibe. Unfortunately, the narrative doesn’t hold up upon close inspection. There are unexplained gaps in the plot.  Questions go frustratingly unanswered. The developments lack a cohesive thread, making the experience more confusing than terrifying.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie overall because of its pervasive mood. The purpose of the resort, along with the surreal phenomena, adds to its sinister charm.   In the end, the inscrutable plot feels fitting for a tale that wants to blur the details of some evil experiment. I can accept that in this world, reality is warped, and nothing is as it seems. Some things are simply beyond explanation.

08-15-24