Downton Abbey star’s ‘very disturbing’ Netflix thriller | Films | Entertainment

Netflix’s latest addition has been branded ‘very disturbing’ by viewers — and it’s not difficult to see why. Fans of the streaming giant have confessed to being utterly baffled by the recently added ‘bonkers’ horror thriller now available on the platform. The film Cuckoo was added to the platform’s ever-evolving library from today (June 25).

Originally released in cinemas in 2024, the film was both written and directed by German filmmaker Tilman Singer. Despite its modest budget of approximately $7 million, it remains his most high-profile work to date. While it failed to set the box office alight, the film undoubtedly left a lasting impression on audiences and critics in equal measure.

Many praised its impressive cast, which includes Euphoria and The Hunger Games prequel star Hunter Schafer.

British actor Dan Stevens, widely recognised for his roles in Downton Abbey and The Guest, also features prominently. According to the synopsis, the story centres on 17 year old Gretchen, who reluctantly uproots her American life to live with her father, reports the Mirror.

He has recently relocated to a resort nestled in the German Alps with his new family. Upon arriving at their new home, the family is greeted by her father’s employer, who develops an unsettling and inexplicable fascination with Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma.

Something is clearly amiss in this seemingly idyllic holiday retreat. Gretchen finds herself tormented by peculiar noises and disturbing visions, until she uncovers a shocking secret that strikes closer to home than she ever imagined.

It holds an impressive fresh rating of 79% on the website Rotten Tomatoes, with both critics and audiences declaring it an essential viewing experience for horror enthusiasts. That encompasses those left utterly bewildered by its ending, including one viewer who shared on social media: “The movie Cuckoo is cuckoo. It’s…crazy as hell. Me and my wife looked at each at the end asking ‘what is going on?'”

Another concurred: “The movie is a BONKERS creature feature with the perfect Final Girl in Hunter Schaefer. She is bound for stardom. Dan Stevens is always a delight, also. A lot of quality jump scares mixed in with constant tension and über creepiness.”

A further viewer remarked: “This movie is a wild ride from start to finish. Directed by Tilman Singer, it’s a horror flick that totally messes with your head in the best way possible. One of the things I loved about Cuckoo is how it blends psychological horror with supernatural elements. It’s not just about jump scares; it gets under your skin and makes you question what’s real and what’s not.”

While one enthusiastic fan added: “Cuckoo is a masterpiece. A mesmerising and unsettling film that pushes the boundaries of the horror genre. It’s a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate films that offer more questions than answers. Tilman Singer has crafted a hauntingly beautiful experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.”

Cuckoo is streaming on Netflix.