Cuckoo (2024) – Netflix Psychological Horror
Not every beautiful place is safe. In fact, sometimes the most picturesque locations hide the darkest secrets. Cuckoo (2024), now streaming on Netflix, turns the quiet charm of the German Alps into the setting for an eerie psychological nightmare that slowly tightens its grip.
Blending psychological horror with unsettling mystery, the film pulls viewers into a world where strange sounds, blurred realities, and hidden truths collide.
A Move That Changes Everything
The story follows Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), a teenager who reluctantly relocates to a remote Alpine town with her father and his new family. At first, the mountains look peaceful — clean air, stunning views, and an escape from city chaos. However, the calm quickly feels unnatural.
Soon after arriving, Gretchen begins experiencing disturbing phenomena. She hears unexplained noises echoing through the quiet nights. She catches glimpses of a mysterious woman who seems to be following her. Consequently, what should have been a fresh start becomes a descent into fear.
The Town with a Secret
As Gretchen’s visions grow more intense, the people around her begin to seem suspicious. Herr König (Dan Stevens), who appears welcoming on the surface, carries an unsettling presence. Meanwhile, her interactions with Beth (Jessica Henwick) and others in the town feel layered with unspoken tension.
Because no one seems fully honest, Gretchen’s isolation deepens. She begins to question whether the horror is inside her mind — or rooted in something far more sinister hiding within the town itself.
Atmosphere Over Shock
Directed and written by Tilman Singer, Cuckoo avoids relying only on jump scares. Instead, it builds dread through atmosphere. Long silences, haunting landscapes, and subtle sound design create a constant sense of unease. As a result, the fear feels psychological as much as physical.
The film’s R rating, due to violence, bloody imagery, language, and brief teen drug use, signals that the story doesn’t shy away from disturbing content.
A Cast That Grounds the Horror
The performances keep the surreal story emotionally believable:
- Hunter Schafer as Gretchen – capturing vulnerability and growing terror
- Jan Bluthardt as Henry
- Marton Csokas as Luis
- Jessica Henwick as Beth
- Dan Stevens as Herr König
- Mila Lieu as Alma
- Kalin Morrow as the Hooded Woman
Because the characters feel real, the supernatural elements become even more unsettling.
Behind the Scenes
The film is produced by Markus Halberschmidt, Josh Rosenbaum, Maria Tsigka, Ken Kao, Thor Bradwell, and Ben Rimmer. Backed by Neon, Fiction Park, and Waypoint Entertainment, the movie carries a polished cinematic look while maintaining indie-horror intensity.
Why Cuckoo Is Worth Watching
If you enjoy horror that lingers long after the credits roll, Cuckoo delivers. It’s not just about what you see — it’s about what you sense but cannot fully understand. The isolation of the mountains, the mystery of the town, and Gretchen’s unraveling perspective create a story that feels hauntingly intimate.
So, if you’re ready for a slow-burning horror experience wrapped in psychological tension, Cuckoo might be your next late-night watch.
