CUCKOO (2024) Ending Explained

[@nicoleb695]

The whole case with Gretchen makes sense: parent birds will fixate on the cuckoo and they will ignore their actual hatchlings.

[@danielled8665]

That's partly because of an innate bird reproductive strategy; patent birds generally feed the largest strongest chick first and most, and then down the line to the smallest often getting no food at all and not making it. In lean years, only the biggest will survive. In crazy plentiful years, they might all make it. And the cuckoo is usually much larger and faster growing than it's siblings. The parents see it as a super-baby, and it eats so much it's false siblings rarely get anything left at all, if it doesn't push them out of the nest itself.

[@kevinrichardson7670]

Truths😊

[@brushdogart]

Actually, it's worse than you think. Cuckoos and other nest parasites don't entirely abandon their young. They will hang around and if the birds try to get rid of the cuckoo chick the adult cuckoos will murder the entire brood. This is why most birds will try to detect and get rid of the cuckoo before it hatches, while the adult cuckoos are still going around laying in other nests.

[@klataface]

@@brushdogartew, why are they so evil 😭 just be parents, ya assholes

[@swivelshivel6576]

@@klataface nature finds a way to survive, and sometimes something finds out its easier to have something else raise your kid

[@seanfarrand9167]

I'm certain the dog was in the film more but 99% of it was cut. It is super strange them showing that one moment with it growling at the woods, but he can't sense the daughter is off too? There are several other things that I think were meant to be bigger parts but were left on the cutting room floor. Another off the top of my head is his choice to kill the doctor and nurse, when he refers to her "secret notes". I think there was more to explain that maybe the doctor wasn't feeling comfortable anymore and was planning to leave or something. Some real strange choices here.

[@ForeverTraitor]

I’d guess that the dog dies early on but test audiences didn’t like it so it got cut.

[@seanfarrand9167]

@ForeverTraitor I'd be willing to bet you are right. I watched it a second time and found that some of the beginning shots of the vehicle were strangely cut, which I believe was them limiting seeing the dog more. If that's the case, it's even stranger they left the dog in at all. I'm thinking it's because they had already shown the trailer with the dog barking, and then did the edit after focus groups didnt like the dog dying. I'm happy they didnt go the kill the dog route, as I find it a cheesy and cheap way to make the audience feel bad.

[@Peppermint-Snaps]

I figure he is training those kids and trying to make a perfect soldier. Imagine having a whole fleet of super soldiers who can make the enemy faint, retrace the last few moments in an endless cycle until finally they get killed by this soldier. Chances are, he's being funded by a few weapon contractors across the globe, basing them in the alps means they can't be extradited or brought to any form of punishment, sweden is wildly neutral that way.

[@chewthetrain]

Sweden? 🤔

[@DefinitelyNotAMachineCultist]

@@chewthetrain He might be confusing Sweden with Switzerland due to the setting? He probably meant Switzerland. But this seems more like it's set in the Bavarian Alps in Germany from what I've seen.

[@kanadetyupanon9003]

​@@DefinitelyNotAMachineCultist or the actor kinda looks like PewDiePie so he might subconsciously think of Sweden.

[@nataliadukic8780]

Yeeeahhh I’m sure it’s no coincidence that he’s German too.

[@nomi_M]

Didn't ever expect to see Dan Stevens as a crazy german scientist with a breeding fetish, but I ain't mad

[@jessicaclauson1997]

Nah, it's definitely his type of role 😂

[@magicovento]

Yesss, the breeding fetish is definitly a good reason for why he did these experiences. This is one of the things that bothered me most in the movie: why the hell did König have this obsession with the Cuckoo women?

[@MaxDunk]

I paused at zero seconds to go get something to eat while I watch, and came back to just "CUCK" in big bold letters lmao

[@DoctorSquirt]

Thats the true body horror

[@miserrsps]

IT'S A SIGN

[@phccaptainamerica]

I guess you are what you eat?

[@17absolut]

@@miserrsps Yoooooooooo...!!!

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

Get cucked lmao 😂

[@ian0143]

Just once I'd like one of these movies to just end. Don't give us the fruits of a sequel, just end. It makes the whole movie rather pointless if they will just continue in the next film.

[@chriswelter3859]

Was this open for a sequel?

[@qkat9856]

did u watch any movies this year?

[@qkat9856]

@@chriswelter3859no

[@michaelsmyth3935]

So you have no idea how milking the tall cow works? Nearly everything out there is a remake, reboot, sequel or prequel. If you live in a city with less than 500,000 you get no independent films. Just typical Hollywood muck.

[@iamAustinxD]

I felt like this film ended pretty conclusively. I’d be shocked if they considered a sequel, not sure how that would work at all. But maybe a prequel…

[@anomboing]

that "but why tho" is so loud because literally its never answered, and imo it brings the movie down, not enough to make it unenjoyable but enough for me to never seek it out again lmao

[@danix454]

Your interpretation. She thinks it’s about her, but just like other birds in the nest - they’re just in the wrong nest at the wrong time, and must be eliminated. Gretchen’s story also mimicked the feeling of “not belonging”, being a stranger in a nest not meant for you - but it’s in a different way from Alma’s story. Gretchen was there to show compassion, the same way Alma showed it to her - and then there’s the doctor’s reason for why. You are meant to interpret it in a way that’s meaningful to you - and if you can’t, I dunno what to say lol. But it didn’t bring the movie down for those of us who understood this.

[@toptiertech7291]

@@danix454nah. That’s a lazy cop out. I don’t watch movies for everyone to have their own interpretation. I watch movies to be told a story. You aren’t special. This movie wasn’t super deep. It’s a poorly written movie

[@danix454]

@@toptiertech7291 that’s your interpretation. You just proved my point, while trying not to, I guess? What was your goal here 🤨 tell me something I don’t know - be original. Don’t just repeat what I just said.

[@toptiertech7291]

@@danix454 oh you don’t know what the word interpretation means 😂😂 did you just see that word on twitter and you started using it?

[@danix454]

@ I don’t know what’s so funny when you dead ass are still playing yourself - are you laughing at yourself at this point? 🙂 Christ you’re annoying.

[@bubbledmango1373]

The Gretchen and Alma moment at the end was emotionally devastating and I cried, it was very sweet. Like ya don't get it from this video but it is.

[@AimForMyHead81]

The Gretchen character is a complete blank slate and also very unlikeable, so it wasn't emotionally poignant at all. Plus, the movie sucks and I was completely checked out by that point.

[@prospect689]

​@AimForMyHead81 yeah the plot fell that it fell thru very early and the story narrative was not build up all the way towards the conclusion. I checked out of this movie during the rising action.

[@dfailsthemost]

I don't think Alma did the first time loop. Also, I just realized that the vanished twin was probably an actual human.

[@bri_like_the_cheese9401]

Ooooo the “twin eating the other” makes more sense now! I didn’t think about that

[@lzs1153]

Your plaid shirt is the perfect camouflage you blend right into the shelf

[@AxelordSMIJES]

Dan Steven as David Haller (Legion) opposite Aubrey Plaza as Amal Farouk (The Shadow King) in FX's Legion series is still some of the best television I've ever seen. The entire cast was amazing, but those two in particular really shine. I typically use this channel as a "thanks for watching this movie so I don't have to" sort of thing, but I am actually going to check this movie out.

[@MissHamilton421]

Nothing like some FoundFlix while zooted. 🙃

[@domjay]

I 2nd that lol

[@ethantravis8378]

@@domjayimma have to 3rd that as well

[@mattisonwhite7988]

Imma jump in and 4th that shtuff

[@NoName-hw2rh]

oh shiit let me hit that 5th rq

[@aaronhelton1441]

Not zooted 😂😂😂 I love that this is the first comment I see

[@marveludus]

"Alpschatten" means something like "Alp's shadow" or "Alp's shadows" by the way! Already telling you there's something going on in the dark of this seemingly friendly retreat Definitely gotta watch this one, especially considering I grew up near the Bavarian alps myself!

[@fortissears5388]

I wonder if the fact that Alp in Germanic mythology is a creature likened to an incubus plays any role in that name being chosen, like a double entendre.

[@marveludus]

​@@fortissears5388 that's a very interesting point! I personally don't think there's a connection between the creature Alp and this movie though - The German Nachtalp/Nachtmahr isn't known for mimicry or even seduction as much as for causing nightmares. The incubus/succubus distinction was a thing in... France? Maybe? German stories talk about them "riding" people but in the context of literally sitting on their chest and causing i.e. sleep paralysis. However! The German word for nightmare, Alptraum, has the same origins. Which still makes the name extra fun (disclaimer: The actual mountain range's name is NOT related to either the Alptraum or Nachtalp, as far as I'm aware)

[@zachhollins604]

battle brothers reference

[@DefinitelyNotAMachineCultist]

​@@marveludus Nice catch from @fortissears5388, but it's not just that, either. The vocal mind control thing makes me think of Sirens from Greek myths. Who also happen to be an all-female species which tended to prey on one particular gender of humans mainly. Similar creatures exist in other myths, like Rusalkas and Nixies. All are exclusively or typically depicted as female, IIRC. Perhaps in-universe, this story is implying those myths were inspired by these creatures, or subspecies of them. Siren (Greek): Sirens symbolize the dangers of temptation and the perils of ignoring warnings. They are often seen as cautionary figures representing the consequences of giving in to desire. Rusalka (Slavic): Rusalkas embody themes of life, death, and the consequences of neglecting the spirits of the dead (their usual origin being as spirits of young women who died in water). Nixies (Germanic/Scandinavian): Shapeshifting water spirits reflecting the duality of nature, embodying both its beauty and its dangers. They served as reminders of the respect that humans must have for water bodies and their spirits. Fun fact: In many ancient depictions, sirens are often portrayed as having bird-like characteristics, such as wings or the ability to transform into birds. This is especially prevalent in early Greek art and literature. Their enchanting songs were also portrayed as reminiscent of birdsong, IIRC. Fits with the cuckoo thing. TL;DR: Siren + Cuckoo + Incubus/Succubus.

[@ORaiserPlays]

I can't hear "Alma" without immediately thinking of F.E.A.R. and always expect her to be an evil being.

[@NAH7Z]

fuck i loved the fear games.

[@ozziethefool691]

I always think of that scene from Sister Act

[@ChewingGore]

Even though I knew where the story was headed, I enjoyed this movie. It was shot beautifully, the atmosphere was just right, my only complaint is I wish they’d shown her bonding with her step sister a little more. I recommend this film.

[@IceQueen3253]

You should make a top 31 horror movies for October with #31 meant to be watched in the first, and #1 to be watched on Halloween

[@LucasR013]

Bro it’s the 28th

[@DefinitelyNotRin]

He better get the list out fast then

[@hhaydenh1230]

#1 def has to be the 1978 Halloween, and #13 has to be the OG Friday The 13th or the 2nd or 3rd one cause they actually have Jason in it

[@moxiemaxie3543]

Its not "You should", he doesn't need to do said task for his own good. You could ask politely.

[@apricot8301]

Genuinely surprised how much I loved this film. It can get a little confusing and not everything made perfect sense. But is was a wild ride all the way to the end. Definitely recommend it.

[@kongwubba81]

If he's trying to use "Gretchen" for breeding, he's definitely going to be in for a surprise.

[@magicovento]

LMAO

[@weedbandz8559]

Great review I watched someone else’s a couple weeks ago and they couldn’t explain or make sense of anything 😂 these explained vids are as good as watching the movie

[@joannagutierrez1074]

You make such great content, my mom and I can sit for hours and watch you explain movies and shows. Which got us talking about if you would be up to doing a more explanation to the new show Grotesquerie. We've been binge watching it till the last episode and we're both in a sense of confusion on what the actual hell we just watched. So maybe someone with your intellectual analysing on movies and shows maybe you could bring to light some of the confusion we had.

[@nightraven7091]

I always look forward to a new foundflix video

[@hhaydenh1230]

Most anticipated FoundFlix explanation ever in my opinion

[@bpo1975]

Wait.....Trixie wasn’t shown to be implanted by the Cuckoo Woman, from what I can remember. The Cuckoo Woman was reaching to insert her egg in between Trixie’s legs but was stopped at the last second by Gretchen and Henry.

[@Faptastique]

Foundflix has a habit of glossing over or joking about SA, treating it as no big deal :/

[@julimclemore]

@@Faptastiquecan you give an example of this?

[@s0urstr4wbz]

​@@Faptastiquei havent noticed this but i do tend to use them qs background noise do u mind like giving an example or two

[@danmoar94]

​@@Faptastiquea) not true, and b) not relevant. While forced impregnation is obviously sexual assault, the actions of the cuckoo are- from its perspective and how it's framed in the film- an act of necessity for their procreation not intended as an act of sexual battery, although indeed forced. He didn't make a joke about it or make light of it in any way, though. Yes, he glosses over the details but when you're presenting a summary of an entire film, that's what you're going to do. Do you really expect him to stop, recount any scenes of assault in vivid detail and then give a speech about how assault is wrong whenever there's sexual assualt in a film he's explaining?

[@c.m.580]

@@Faptastiqueive never heard that at all

[@thelovelyone7737]

do an ending explained for that movie with Halle Berrie called “NEVER LET GO” I just watched it and honestly idk wtf to even say cause idk😭 your videos always help me understand the plot better

[@terryterryd]

So glad to finally hear someone else on YT admit to enjoying Cuckoo. I liked it too.

[@KarnivorousKeyz]

crazy i just finished this movie, definetly worth a watch. I think the Cuckoo analogies between a "new family" and the older half sibling feeling like they don't belong or arent wanted. I think the ending is a nice turn too bc Gretchen finally learns to adapt to her new situation. Hunter was a great lead actress and this was just fun & interesting

[@jfgibson73]

I think the writer was trying to make the perfect story for this channel to cover.

[@peytonpoulnot9222]

You should do the substance next, it has really good body horror and the meaning is really deep too

[@Boog3078]

This is one of those films where I had to pause the video, go watch the movie, then come right back when I finished it because I wanted more.

[@wiinterflowers4277]

This movie was fucking nuts.. and I loved it! Hunter and Dan were brilliant, and that last act was badass!

[@Nessi350]

They need to now make prequel explaining where the creatures descended from

[@corbinibroc]

Literally just watched this an hour ago, perfect timing!

[@ceceliaz]

Was that whole thing really effing confusing or am I just really tired? I barely got confused by Tenet but this was bananas.

[@xrentabrainx]

It seems like just the right kind of artsy horror film that I just love.

[@melodi996]

17:27 that доставка is the biggest mystery here 😅

[@arkauthor]

Not what I expect it to be. I thought the movie was supposed to be doppelganger coming in to replace people. Like US but minus the invasion.

[@n8te362]

Crazy timing, I was just looking for this video

[@allthetrees]

I'm so glad you covered this! I needed a explanation honestly. 😂

[@juliennovak7554]

I loved this movie, i watched it in theaters, it taught me what a Cuckoo is but still an amazing movie

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

I HATE this cliché in movies where the police is completely incompetent and always dismisses the victim's testimony as irrelevant for some silly reason, just as much as I hate the movie myth of the 48-hour period for a missing person, when actually the very first hour is the most critical, when the police puts all the effort they can to find the missing person. Not that they stop at that, there are real life cases where the police continued to pursue the case for YEARS.

[@petermad7476]

You didn’t watched the film right? The police was involved in the whole situation 🙄

[@nominasir8334]

Plz do The Substance 2024 breakdown , I loved your explanations

[@jaredrhaburn507]

Another dope movie. Would you mind doing a video on VHS Beyond

[@Rachael87254]

You're pop ups are killing me😂😂😂

[@giovannig2278]

This movie was fire 🔥 neon has been killing it lately gave me Vivarium vibes

[@iamAustinxD]

This movie is *CRIMINALLY* underrated! I love how unhinged this film was and the hooded bird woman was actually so creepy

[@CutzMcOnions]

Finally, a new movie suggestion

[@briantoebben3095]

Got a suggestion for the next one: NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. It was one of those films in the 80s, as a kid who got to watch it I was left with a heck of an impression.

[@ganjamaican5049]

Y’all are hella quick in these comments man

[@NunyaBus99]

I have found soooo many cool movies to watch, that I never heard of, from watching you! 👍🏻

[@mandywesley6774]

Foundflix I love you and your talking speed, but I have noticed the closed captioning doesn’t entirely line up 100% of the time, hiring a closed captioner would be amazing for your hard of hearing fan base!

[@fortuitousliterature]

I just watch these instead of watching the actual movies, it's so well explained and broken down I'm like sure! Why not?

[@bradroolz1]

Pre roll comment: When can I hear about an oldie- From Beyond

[@Oriana_leung]

1:00 Reminds me of Quarry game. 13:30 17:45 Same as my father 😢. 19:20 😨. 22:00 Sounded like a 90s plot. 27:45 😭. 28:40 🤦‍.

[@UlshaRS]

Definitely a concept looking for a hook kind of movie and more about presentation than plot, more short story than feature length. The *but why* is way too large a question for a movie that is extremely unlikely to have any sort of follow up sequel/prequel and "it's open to interpretation" is (the writer/director) hand waving.

[@abbysweat9202]

This is not important in the slightest but i grew up in southern indiana and we always said it like you do, Koo-Koo, but after moving around a lot i just realized I pronounce it more like how its spelled. I didn't even realize I'd done that until I heard you say it and it sounded off to me.

[@ANDYWOUNDSABRXS]

I like how Mr. Ballen takes off his hat and does horror vids in between his spooky tales channel...... they are the same person right?

[@babycakessr.8704]

It’s actually his evil twin

[@rachelhudson3277]

Patiently waiting for your ending explained on smile 2

[@GaTraCos]

Would you ever cover Repo! The Genetic Opera?

[@youtubemadeb6417]

The cars in this movie are so unique and excellent. Helps with the uneasy tone

[@im19ice3]

while the title did tell me in advance what would be the whole conceit i still enjoyed how the events played out, i was entertained

[@veestallion420]

You should make a video about the Fall of the House of Usher!

[@gregorygriffinjr3648]

I guess it wasn't for me I literally fell asleep in the movie theater watching this😂

[@blackedoutpremium]

DO HOLD YOUR BREATH ON HULU

[@Musicman12345]

PLEASE BRING BACK FOUNDFLIX PRESENTS!!!!!

[@HairFollicle]

Beautifull locations and colour palette.masterfully done. The vibes of all the places were wholesome in way i cant describe. Id like to live in a place like this. Without the monsters :).

[@jadenwatson14]

Surprisingly good film really didn't know what to expect with the plot but it did hit!

[@ajks104]

FoundFlix please do Never Let Go next!

[@jessymae851]

Can you do a throw back movie, ending explained on the movie Frailty please,it was such a good twist that still made you feel weird towards the end!

[@GrandBlueCosmic]

Im glad I wasnt the only one to find it odd they forgot they had a dog in the car. Tbf the movie seems to forget the family has a dog as well.

[@MarchallWhite12345]

The legend has dropped a masterpiece 👍

[@bigd1348]

My friend you must be feeling better since we got to uploads in such a short period of time I hope you are all doing well 💖

[@johnnysothersack6829]

The actor for the dad , Martin Czosco was also in Triple X as the villain

[@GreatGuyforlife]

I love this channel.🎉

[@jamaique5964]

HI!!! Can you recap the From TV series??

[@cristaltrinidad9677]

I wonder if you’re going to do an ending explain to Terrifier 3

[@tyrannicaltyr7200]

One movie i feel like you’d love covering (especially with its twist) is Hidden (2015).

[@tyrannicaltyr7200]

I rewatched for the first time in years and knowing the ending now give a whole new perspective.

[@maschaslacklabor]

2:16 it's Alpschatten - alp shadow/shade :)

[@jase276]

Still can't tell if I liked the movie or disliked it. I was disappointed that the Cuckoos were being led by some guy instead of acting independently, that kind of ripped any horror and fear out of the film.

[@AimForMyHead81]

The cuckoos weren't being "led" by the guy.

[@aTypicalMushroom]

I saw so many ads on instagram. It looked wacky

[@debbiemoore2747]

Perfect to start my Sunday with coffee and porridge 😊

[@Bread-nx9fo]

The fact that its never actually explained what they are or how they're formed is annoying

[@hundoe100]

Ending explained, or telling the movie as quick as possible?

[@giovannamoretti4001]

Dan Stevens always be in some interesting roles 😅

[@viamonky217]

Please do terrifier 3 !!!! I just finished watching it

[@Leoprincess3038]

The scene with her and alma in the closet was really sweet fr 😢 good acting lol

[@drewgoin8849]

4:22 Is that an old Volkswagen "Thing"?

[@6h0zt]

Its a VW Buggy

[@vesperminecraft1992]

hello foundflix fans, i am one of you

[@jamiesalmonsculpture8599]

Glad some people enjoyed this train wreck. I went from mild interest in the first act, to disbelief as it just starts to collapse on itself until a laughable finale. I was begging for it to end, but it just kept going!

[@KassandraQuiseng]

I really like sisterly bond stories. This was oddly sweet. A little messy but I liked it.

[@sumatra]

So, what exactly did the parents have to gain though all this?

[@danix454]

The parents didn’t know what was going on. They were being manipulated so they could use the cuckoo daughter for experiments.

[@Evelyn-pl3we]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!

[@hypnoticsnake4698]

Would you be open to doing an Ending Explained on Smile 2? That movies ending confused me.

[@seleniebeanie]

The trailer made this movie look way scarier than it actually was, so I'm a bit disappointed with it. It wasn't bad, but I definitely expected more horror and scares. Every scare was given away in the trailer, too. :(

[@waitup-5198]

21:25 Am I tweaking or is that the TikTok Omegle guy in the back?

[@MagentaRodent]

I think I know why the species is going extinct. The one that almost gets Gretchen hesitates and has to be prompted to keep going with its mating process. I think the mixing of dna has caused ease secessive generation gain a bit more humanity, so they stop hunting and impregnating women and bam, they are extinct. If that is the case then why in the hell didn't this happen at the inception of the species, my guess is maybe something happened at some point to cause them to take more human DNA?

[@crystalshaw8744]

I'd watch him read the phone book too...smile

[@theworstisover1323]

Haven't seen this one yet so I'm gonna pause it for now and like!

[@dejacoffee]

Do an ending explained for Caddo Lake!

[@wowsew]

every article I read trying to see stuff about this movie was just all about how hunter shafer is trans like i give a fuck, i wanna know about the film. Anyways, thanks for the video!

[@robertlevine2827]

As said in the televised (censored) version of "The Big Lebowski," "That's what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps."