The horror-thriller film “Cuckoo,” released in 2024, features Hunter Schafer in the lead role. Directed by Tilman Singer, the movie tells the story of a 17-year-old girl named Gretchen, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is forced to leave America and move to a resort in the German countryside. The film is known for its eerie and mysterious atmosphere, created by the stunning visuals and gripping storyline.
Where was “Cuckoo” Filmed?
Though set in the German Alps, ‘Cuckoo’ was filmed mainly in the western and central regions of Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hessen. Some scenes, showing Gretchen’s life before her move, were likely filmed in the US. The main filming took place over 35 days, starting on May 11 and ending on July 1, 2022. The eerie atmosphere of the film, achieved through a blend of stylish and haunting visuals, showcases the creative talents of writer-director Tilman Singer and cinematographer Paul Faltz, drawing inspiration from the works of David Lynch and David Cronenberg.
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
A major portion of “Cuckoo” was filmed in North Rhine-Westphalia, a state in Western Germany. The cast and crew spent several weeks in this region, capturing scenes in and around the cities of Wuppertal, Krefeld, Düsseldorf, and Mönchengladbach. The beautiful and picturesque locations in this part of Germany provided the perfect backdrop for the haunting and mysterious atmosphere of the film.
However, the production faced some challenges. The team had to change locations last minute because some of their planned sites were repurposed into refugee camps due to the Ukraine War. Tilman Singer, the director, explained this issue in an interview. “We lost a few of our main locations, like a hospital or treatment center. The buildings were turned into refugee camps, which was good, but it left us with a problem of where to shoot next.” The team then moved to a deserted British Army base near the Belgian border. This location, abandoned for 15 years, had its own set of problems. “The buildings were falling apart. We had to work around parts that were too ruined or unsafe to use,” Singer said. Despite these difficulties, the team managed to complete the shoot and was pleased with the final result.
Hesse, Germany
In addition to North Rhine-Westphalia, some scenes of “Cuckoo” were filmed in the state of Hesse, located in the heart of Germany. Known for its scenic landscapes and charming architecture, Hesse provided an ideal setting for the movie. The combination of old-world charm and modern elements in this region helped create the unique visual style that “Cuckoo” is known for.
Director Tilman Singer also revealed some interesting details about the filming process. For example, to achieve the time-looping effect in the movie, scenes were shot multiple times with different levels of distress for the characters. The team also used creative camera techniques, such as shooting through a shaking mirror, to add to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Despite the challenges they faced, the cast and crew were able to bring their vision to life and create a film that is both visually stunning and deeply disturbing.
Cast Details
The movie stars Hunter Schafer as Gretchen, Jan Bluthardt as Beth, Marton Csokas as Luis, Jessica Henwick as Beth, and Dan Stevens as Herr König. Other cast members include Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey as Ed, Konrad Singer as Erik, Proschat Madani as Dr. Bonomo, and Kalin Morrow as The Hooded Woman.
The filming locations of “Cuckoo” played a crucial role in creating the movie’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. From the scenic landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia to the charming architecture of Hesse, the locations chosen for the film added to its unique visual style and helped bring the story to life. Despite the challenges faced during production, the cast and crew were able to create a film that is both visually captivating and emotionally intense, making “Cuckoo” a must-watch for fans of horror and thriller genres.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Cuckoo
Q: Where was Cuckoo filmed?
A: Cuckoo was filmed in various locations across Germany. Major scenes were shot in North Rhine-Westphalia, including cities like Wuppertal, Krefeld, Düsseldorf, and Mönchengladbach. The film also included sequences from Hesse, known for its scenic landscapes and historic buildings.
Q: When was Cuckoo filmed?
A: The filming of Cuckoo took place over 35 days, starting on May 11, 2022, and concluding on July 1, 2022. The production team spent several weeks in Germany capturing the film’s unique and eerie atmosphere.
Q: When was Cuckoo released?
A: Cuckoo was released in theaters on August 9, 2024.
4. Who are the main cast members of Cuckoo?
A: The main cast of “Cuckoo” includes Hunter Schafer, who plays the lead role of Gretchen. Jan Bluthardt portrays Luis, Gretchen’s father, while Marton Csokas takes on the role of Herr König, a key character in the story. Jessica Henwick plays Beth, Luis’s new partner, and Dan Stevens appears as Herr König. Additional notable cast members include Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey as Ed, Konrad Singer as Erik, Proschat Madani as Dr. Bonomo, and Kalin Morrow as The Hooded Woman. Each actor contributes to the film’s gripping and eerie atmosphere.
Q: What challenges did the production of Cuckoo face?
A: The production of Cuckoo encountered several challenges, including losing some planned filming locations, such as a hospital complex repurposed for refugee use. This led to the crew filming at an old British Army base near the Belgian border. The deteriorated condition of the base required careful planning to ensure safe and effective filming. Despite these issues, the team successfully completed the film.
