Bird Symbolism: The Significance of Adding a Bird

German filmmaker Tilman Singer’s horror film Cukoo, which debuted at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, is now available for streaming on Hulu just in time for awards season. The story follows Gretchen, played by Hunter Schafer, a teenage girl grieving her mother’s death who moves to a Bavarian resort town with her family. Strange and unsettling events plague their stay, leading Gretchen to uncover chilling truths about the resort and its mysterious connections.

Although not many reviews classify Cukoo as folk horror, the film encapsulates the genre perfectly. Set in a secluded countryside surrounded by mountains and lush woods, the movie weaves a tale of chaos versus order, grounded in family dynamics. The performances by Schafer, Dan Stevens, and the rest of the cast are solid, with Schafer portraying a grieving teenager in a nuanced way and Stevens delivering a performance that balances realism and campy humor.

Cukoo, with its eerie atmosphere, nods to classic horror films like Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and Roeg’s “Don’t Look Now,” while still maintaining its unique, bizarre charm. Despite some minor flaws in the script with heavy exposition and time-warping elements, the film strikes a good balance between suspense and entertainment. Directed by Singer, Cukoo is a strong addition to the genre, offering viewers a mix of suspense, horror, and folklore.

If you enjoy films that blend the supernatural with family drama and eerie settings, give Cukoo a watch on Hulu and immerse yourself in this captivating horror story that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.