Hunter Schafer Shines in ‘Cuckoo’ as Critics Applaud Her “Absolutely Sensational” Performance
The reviews are in for ‘Cuckoo,’ the latest horror-thriller that has captivated audiences and critics alike. The film stars Hunter Schafer as Gretchen, a young woman who relocates to the German Alps to live with her father. However, what begins as a simple move soon unravels into a disturbing experience when her father’s boss ensnares the family in a sinister plot.
‘Cuckoo,’ which also features Dan Stevens, had its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February. It’s now gearing up for its wider release in cinemas this Friday, August 9. With the reviews now available, the film has garnered a solid 79 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised director Tilman Singer for his “inventive flair,” but it’s Schafer’s performance that truly stands out.
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The Associated Press lauded the film as “fascinating, original, and occasionally fun,” though in a twisted manner where horror and involuntary laughter collide. They singled out Schafer’s lead role, noting how she endures both physically and emotionally, describing her performance as captivating.
Slashfilm echoed these sentiments, emphasising Schafer’s role as the film’s anchor: “Schafer’s strong-willed, straight-shooting, absolutely sensational performance is the anchor in this chaotic storm…Schafer commands every scene.”
In its three-star review, The Guardian recognised the film’s blend of blockbuster ambition and art-house sensibilities, describing it as an “odd, uneven little film” that ultimately succeeds due to the distinctiveness of both Singer’s direction and the cast. The review highlighted Schafer’s “committed final girl performance,” asserting that she has outshone her ‘Euphoria’ co-stars in recent roles.
Meanwhile, Screen Daily raised questions about the film’s potential success beyond festival circuits but had no doubts about the quality of Schafer’s performance. They described her portrayal as “stellar,” combining “androgynous frailty and tough-girl attitude,” and noted that she carries the film, making her the film’s key selling point.
In a candid reflection on her career back in April, Schafer shared that she no longer wishes to play transgender roles. After her breakthrough as the transgender high schooler Jules Vaughn in HBO’s ‘Euphoria,’ she now aims to shift her focus.
“I worked so hard to get to where I am, past these really hard points in my transition, and now I just want to be a girl and finally move on,” Schafer said. “I’ve gotten offered tonnes of trans roles, and I just don’t want to do it. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Acknowledging her role as a prominent figure in the trans community, she expressed a sense of responsibility, albeit with some guilt, for not being more vocal. However, she believes that moving beyond these roles may ultimately benefit the community more. “I think getting further and doing awesome stuff will be way more helpful than talking about it all the time,” Schafer concluded.
