If you've been waiting with bated breath for Hunter Schafer's scream queen debut in horror flick Cuckoo these last few years, your time has finally come.
Schafer's foray into film after her breakout role as outsider Jules in HBO's hit television series, Euphoria, has already seen her star in the blockbuster Hunger Games sequel A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes last year, but we're excited to see her take on a role in an indie flick – and to try her hand at the horror genre (somehow, we think she'll be a pro).
Today, we got our first look at Schafer in the first teaser trailer for Cuckoo, we were immediately intrigued, so below, here's everything we know so far about the film.
Watch the teaser trailer
Who is in the cast?
For those wondering, yes, this marks Schafer's first horror film role and it's no small feat. Schafer is starring alongside Crazy Rich Asians and Eternals actor, Gemma Chan; with the legendary John Malkovich also in the mix. Schafer is amongst some of the industry's a-listers; which is exactly where she deserves to be. Also confirmed to play a role in the film are Sofia Boutella (Modern Love), Zita Harnot (The Hook Up Plan), and Jan Bluthardt.
What is the film about?
The film's official synopsis tells us that it centres on a 17-year-old American girl named Gretchen (Schafer) who reluctantly moves to the German Alps to live with her father and his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König, her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. As is to be expected of a horror film – something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise and Gretchen is soon plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.
Tilman Singer is writing and directing the film; and considering that Singer is no stranger to horror films – having also directed the 2018 supernatural thriller, Luz – we're going to take an educated guess and surmise that Cuckoo will be scary. We also know that Neon, the production company behind both Parasite and Spencer will be lending a hand in the project; so we can rest assured Cuckoo will be receiving some first class production treatment.
When and where can I watch it?
Cuckoo will have its North American premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival in March, so we're hoping it'll arrive in Australian cinemas or on streaming platforms later this year.
