Breaking Down the Cuckoo Ending of Cuckoo
As a film enthusiast who has had the misfortune of watching far too many horror films, I must say that Cuckoo is a unique and intriguing addition to the genre. Having spent my formative years lost in the German Alps, I can attest to the eerie beauty and chilling isolation that pervades this film.
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Cuckoo.
If the remote Bavarian resort operated by a suspiciously friendly and almost comically suspicious innkeeper appears to be hiding secrets, it likely is. The movie “Cuckoo,” released by Neon on August 9, underscores the importance of listening to your instincts as a key takeaway.
As for what the shady thing actually is, that’s a little less straightforward.
In the directorial work of German filmmaker Tilman Singer (of the movie ‘Luz’), we find ourselves immersed in the story titled ‘Cuckoo’. This narrative centers on 17-year-old Gretchen, portrayed by Hunter Schafer, alongside her father Luis (Márton Csókás), stepmother Beth (Jessica Henwick), and half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu). The family settles in a house nestled within the German Alps, as Luis and Beth work on designing a property for resort owner Herr König, played by Dan Stevens.
Following her agreement to work at the resort’s front desk under Mr. König’s employment, Gretchen finds herself involved in increasingly peculiar incidents. These range from disoriented female guests throwing up in the lobby to a woman wearing goggles and a trench coat (Kalin Morrow) pursuing her while she cycles home one evening. When Alma starts having unusual seizures, and Mr. König along with his friend at the local hospital, Dr. Bonomo (Proschat Madani), show an uncommon level of curiosity towards her, it becomes evident that something ominous is unfolding.
What’s up with the end of Cuckoo?
Indeed, it’s been unveiled that Herr König is often called a “conservationist,” leading a lineage-long project involving…a unique type of humanoids who display superpowers and the reproductive patterns associated with cuckoo birds. The purpose behind this endeavor remains unclear throughout the narrative, with many aspects shrouded in mystery, as suggested by Singer. He claims that the foundation of this tale is rooted in “two mysteries.”
In the film’s production notes, he explained that his initial leads regarding ‘Cuckoo’ were the Alps and the unique breeding habits of cuckoo birds. These discoveries stirred within him a complex emotion, a blend of curiosity, sadness, and apprehension. When an opening mystery sparks my interest, I weave together the clues to create a narrative. As I delve deeper into the story, I uncover the reason behind this intrigue, its significance in my life; that’s the final revelation. I seldom disclose the final revelation for two reasons – it’s often a personal matter, and over-sharing diminishes its impact. However, when I uncovered both mysteries, I had all the pieces needed to craft a film.
Basically, if you were hoping for Singer to explain the method to his madness, you’re out of luck.
Gretchen and her acquaintance, Officer Henry (Jan Bluthardt), eventually discover the secret behind Herr Konig’s resort: It serves as a cover for a sinister plot, where individuals involved in the conspiracy trick couples into the motel, manipulate them with audio-based brain control, and impregnate the women with half-human, half-cuckoo creatures. These offspring are then raised by the unsuspecting couples, much like how real cuckoos abandon their eggs in other birds’ nests to be reared by others.
As a follower, my fascination with Alma is rooted in the fact that she’s one of the cuckoo humanoids, born secretly at the resort years ago without her parents’ knowledge. Despite Herr König, Dr. Bonomo, and even Henry trying to prevent Gretchen from saving her sister, I found myself determined to help Alma. This was despite the biological cuckoo mother—the blonde who had pursued Gretchen earlier—trying to harm Gretchen. In the end, I managed to win Alma’s trust, escape with her, and flee the dangerous situation together.
How to interpret the end of Cuckoo
The movie “Cuckoo” is primarily an experimental horror, heavily relying on creating a chilling atmosphere rather than adhering strictly to a logical plot. As stated by the director in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, while “Cuckoo” can be interpreted as a symbol for “reproductive health” and “diverse forms of sisterhood,” it was not designed to deliver specific, clear-cut messages.
He stated that both interpretations hold validity, and everyone is more than welcome to derive their own meaning from them. To him, it’s a matter of sisterhood, familial bonds, and the various forms these relationships can take – be they positive or negative. It encompasses recurring patterns, generational disagreements, and love.
The film “Cuckoo” could possibly be interpreted as emphasizing the significance of women preserving their reproductive autonomy. It might also be a reflection on the notion that family can be whatever one chooses to make it. Alternatively, it may just be a chilling exploration of body horror. Regardless of your interpretation, remember that there’s no right or wrong answer, even if your feelings about the movie seem complex and conflicting.
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2024-08-09 15:06