Cuckoo is a 2024 horror film written and directed by Tilman Singer. The film stars Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick. It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2024 before an initial May 2024 US release date was pushed back; the film ultimately opened in US theaters on August 9, 2024 via Neon, across roughly 1,500 theaters.
Release date: August 9, 2024 (United States, theatrical, Neon)
Genre: Horror
Official Synopsis: A 17-year-old girl is forced to move with her family to a resort in the German Alps, where things are not what they seem.
Quick Facts
| Film Title | Cuckoo |
| Director | Tilman Singer |
| Genre | Horror |
| Cast | Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, Jessica Henwick |
| US Release Date | August 9, 2024 (Neon) |
| Composer | Simon Waskow |
| Distributor | Neon |
| Critical Reception | 78% on Rotten Tomatoes |
| Where to Stream | Apple Music, Spotify (score); Hulu (film) |
Score & Composer
Simon Waskow composed the original score for Cuckoo, his second collaboration with director Tilman Singer after 2018’s Luz. Alongside Waskow’s score, the film weaves in a set of pre-existing needle-drops that add to its unsettling, retro-tinged atmosphere. A limited vinyl edition of the soundtrack, released on the Mutant label in December 2024, also includes a bonus track, “Gretchen’s Song,” featuring vocals from star Hunter Schafer.
Every Song (by Scene)
Beyond Waskow’s original score, these are the confirmed licensed songs featured in the film:
| Track | Artist |
|---|---|
| Il Mio Prossimo Amore | Loretta Goggi |
| Money, Guns and Coffee | Pray For Rain |
| Medium Slow | Gerhard Trede |
| Denise | Gerhard Trede |
| String Quartet No. 1 in F major, Op. 18/1 (Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato) | Vlach Quartet |
| Inside Out | Martin Dupont |
| First Blood | Tilman Singer, Simon Waskow, Thomas Meckel & Tim Gorinski |
Where to Stream
Simon Waskow’s Cuckoo score is available on Spotify and Apple Music. The film itself is available to rent or stream digitally, and has also been available on Hulu.
Reception: Since its release, Cuckoo has built a strong critical reputation, holding around 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics singling out director Tilman Singer’s “inventive flair” and Hunter Schafer’s lead performance for particular praise.
Cast
- Hunter Schafer
- Dan Stevens
- Jessica Henwick
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the Cuckoo soundtrack?
Simon Waskow composed the original score for Cuckoo, marking his second collaboration with director Tilman Singer after 2018’s Luz.
What songs are featured in Cuckoo besides the score?
The film features licensed tracks including Loretta Goggi’s “Il Mio Prossimo Amore,” Pray For Rain’s “Money, Guns and Coffee,” two Gerhard Trede pieces (“Medium Slow” and “Denise”), a Vlach Quartet recording, and Martin Dupont’s “Inside Out,” alongside an original cue called “First Blood.”
When was Cuckoo released in the US?
After an initial May 2024 date was pushed back, Cuckoo opened in US theaters on August 9, 2024, distributed by Neon.
How was Cuckoo received by critics?
Cuckoo was well received, holding around 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising Tilman Singer’s inventive direction and Hunter Schafer’s performance.
Is there a bonus track on the Cuckoo vinyl soundtrack?
Yes. The limited vinyl edition released on the Mutant label includes a bonus track, “Gretchen’s Song,” featuring vocals from star Hunter Schafer.
Related Reading: Browse more horror movie scores on our movie soundtrack hub, or catch up on titles streaming on Hulu and our full streaming guide.