Horror film starring Downton Abbey icon may be 'scariest film of 2024' (2024)

Cuckoo, the new film from German director Tilman Singer, may prove to be one of the wildest and scariest movies of 2024.

This psychological horror thriller, which features a mesmerizing performance from Euphoria star Hunter Schafer and Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens, has left audiences reeling with its intense psychological tension.

With a strong Rotten Tomatoes rating of 78% that seems to be getting higher by the day, Cuckoo is making waves as a must-see film of the summer.

The film follows Gretchen, a 17-year-old American girl who reluctantly moves to the eerie German Alps with her father, his new wife, and her stepsister.

Played with captivating vulnerability by Schafer, Gretchen struggles to adjust to her new life in this unsettling environment.

Her father, portrayed by Dan Stevens, is working for a local businessman, who also owns the hotel where Gretchen takes a job at the reception desk.

But as she settles into her role, the hotel’s dark secrets begin to unravel, leading her into the grips of paranoia.

Gretchen experiences increasingly bizarre and terrifying moments, all seemingly connected to a mysterious woman who wanders the Alpine woods at night.

What begins as an ordinary family drama quickly descends into a surreal and nightmarish ordeal that leaves Gretchen questioning her reality – and audiences gripped by the film long after leaving the theater.

Critics and audiences alike have been praising Cuckoo for its striking visuals, unsettling atmosphere, and the bold performances of its lead actors.

X user @adrianraee tweeted: ‘I really enjoyed Cuckoo! Uniquely strange with a wonderful soundtrack and humor sprinkled throughout. I found myself moved emotionally by the end and I can’t say I was expecting that.’

Another viewer, @PhillyMovieNerd, highlighted the film’s escalating tension: ‘If you want to see a horror film that starts out feeling kinda normal, but gradually transforms into an insane, surreal nightmare, I recommend Cuckoo.’

Despite some mixed feelings about the conclusion, the overall consensus remains positive. ‘I didn’t like the ending but I still thought Cuckoo was really good,’ posted@r1nnerrunner. ‘It’s one of the scariest horror films of 2024 in my opinion and definitely worth your time.’

The film’s unique visual and auditory style has also been a major talking point. @The_LifeOfDylan raved, ‘#Cuckoo is a super fun and interesting time. The film offers some insane vibes that I dug. I love the way the colors pop, the camera moves, and the sound weaves in and out. Hunter Schafer slays, Dan Stevens serves, and Cuckoo delivers in style.’

@TheHorrorGuru, declared, “#Cuckoo is f***ing nuts! Starts off as a psychological mindf*** but turns into a 1970s style mad scientist monster movie by the end. Hunter Schafer is fantastic in the lead, and Dan Stevens’ scenery-chewing antagonist is as fun to watch as it is uncomfortable. Go see it!’

Cuckoo not only showcases the talents of its stars, but challenges the boundaries of traditional horror, making it one of the year’s most talked-about films.

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