In his second feature, German filmmaker Tilman Singer boldly ventures into the high-tempo, giallo-inspired world of Cuckoo, a film that stands out with its unique elements.

A relatively simple beginning here sees Hunter Schafer playing a 17-year-old girl who’s been dragged out of her city life to live with her father, his new wife and a sister she refuses to call a sister in the German Alps. The growing gap in this family is evident from the outset as Schafer, playing Gretchen, rides in the truck delivering their family goods and not beside anyone in her family in the vehicle ahead. The family dynamic becomes more critical as the film continues, especially once Gretchen begins to make accusations about being attacked, and no one is left to believe her.

Dan Stevens co-stars as the manager of the hotel chain Gretchen’s family is coming to work on. As Herr Konig, Steven adds a third film to his 2024 card that sees him having what seems like the best of times and adding a third film for him to flex his fluent German speaking skills.

Gretchen picks up a job at the hotel reception and meets an assortment of characters. A mysterious detective, an attractive woman staying at the hotel, and a would-be attacked a mysterious hooded woman with glasses on sprinting through the night.

The bicycle attack scene, a highlight of Cuckoo, is a suspenseful moment that showcases Singer’s ability to create a terrifying experience, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Cuckoo begins to fall apart within its script, explaining everything without any real need too. The film was more fun, keeping us in the unknown. It also relies on the family relationship at the film’s centre to make audiences care. I personally could have gone for less or either of these, as Cuckoo is at its best before it attempts to explain everything. You’re left relating to Gretchen, feeling lost in a nightmare in the Alps where where there is no escape.

Hunter Schafer’s portrayal is the standout performance in the film. She effectively conveys the character’s motivations and emotions in a way that the script alone cannot, leaving the audience in awe of her talent.

[Dylan attended a screening of Cuckoo thanks to the Melbourne International Film Festival]