[Interview] Tilman Singer Talks Directing ‘Cuckoo’ and Halloween in Germany

Coming next from Neon, the distributor of this year’s Longlegs and Immaculate, the new film Cuckoo hits theaters this month, and we recently talked to writer and director Tilman Singer (Luz) about his inspiration for what is very possibly the wildest horror movie of the year, and more.

Here’s the official synopsis: Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with 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. Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.

Shot on 35mm, the film is written and directed by Singer, starring Hunter Schafer (Euphoria), Dan Stevens (The Guest, Abigail, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire), and Jessica Henwick (Iron Fist, Matrix: Resurrections).

In our brief video conversation last week, we also talked about how Singer’s earliest exposure to Halloween when he was growing up in Germany was through American horror movies.

Cuckoo opens in theaters nationwide on August 9.

You can watch our full exclusive interview with Tilman Singer, as well as the film’s official trailer and see new character posters, below.

Related: [Interview] Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Henwick Talk ‘Cuckoo’ and Halloween

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Halloween videos!

Matt Artz

Founded Halloween Daily News in 2012 and the Halloween International Film Festival in 2016. Professional writer/journalist/photographer since 2000.