Dan Stevens shines in new horror film, Cuckoo

As a long-time fan of Dan Stevens, I have to admit that his versatility never ceases to amaze me. From the Monsterverse to vampire dramas and now to a terrifying tale set in the Bavarian Alps, he continues to impress with each role he takes on.

2021 has been quite eventful for Dan Stevens in cinema. In March, he appeared in the latest installment of the Monsterverse, titled “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire“. Following that, he charmed audiences as part of the cast for the vampire drama “Abigail” in April. And now, he’s returning to our screens with another chilling story.

The film “Cuckoo,” released this past Friday, was directed by Tilman Singer. It’s based in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, where Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) is compelled to relocate with her father (Marton Csokas), stepmother (Jessica Henwick), and half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu). As an American, Gretchen has recently lost her mother, causing her to be uprooted from her familiar surroundings and placed among a family she’s not acquainted with—and who she seems uninterested in getting to know.

The visitors reach a resort managed by Mr. Konig (Stevens), who plans to establish a second resort and has enlisted Gretchen’s father for its design. However, he didn’t anticipate Gretchen becoming part of the family. Regardless, he extends an offer for her to work at the front desk of the first resort. Intrigued by the opportunity to earn enough money to depart, Gretchen accepts the job.

From my perspective as an enthusiast, I uncover a string of peculiar occurrences among the guests and a shadowy figure in this locale. As I delve deeper, I realize Konig isn’t exactly who he presents himself to be, and I stumble upon a mystery that threatens my family’s well-being. Can I untangle it before it’s too late?

Is Cuckoo worth the watch?

The film has a strong look and a mysterious premise. The trailer draws you in with an interesting look and feel. But is the story worth it? That’s what ultimately sells a film.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the final act of this game was thrilling, no doubt about it. But it seemed like some crucial pieces of the puzzle were missing or not fully explained, leaving me with unanswered questions. It’s disappointing because there were some top-notch performances, especially by Stevens who really brought his character to life, and Schafer who did a fantastic job carrying the story forward as the main character.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that this piece boasts some captivating shots and scenes that truly shine. The artist has an impressive knack for setting the perfect atmosphere to tell the tale. However, it’s the narrative itself that sometimes falls short of my expectations.

The setup is ready for an engaging experience, and there are moments when this movie is quite enjoyable. However, it didn’t entirely resonate with me towards the conclusion. Yet, it undeniably presents another delightful acting performance by Stevens.

Cuckoo is now playing nationwide.

2024-08-16 22:32