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The Caligo Cuckoo

  • 2023
  • 16m
IMDb RATING
9.0/10
7
YOUR RATING
James Sheldon and Patrick Hickman in The Caligo Cuckoo (2023)
Short

Stumbling into an empty bar in the middle of a stormy night, drunken Rick tries to ignore his life's problems. A man appears from the shadows to offer Rick a better life. All he has to do is... Read allStumbling into an empty bar in the middle of a stormy night, drunken Rick tries to ignore his life's problems. A man appears from the shadows to offer Rick a better life. All he has to do is win a game of pool. If only it were that simple.Stumbling into an empty bar in the middle of a stormy night, drunken Rick tries to ignore his life's problems. A man appears from the shadows to offer Rick a better life. All he has to do is win a game of pool. If only it were that simple.

  • Director
    • Kai Patterson
  • Writer
    • Kai Patterson
  • Stars
    • Patrick Hickman
    • James Sheldon
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    9.0/10
    7
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Kai Patterson
    • Writer
      • Kai Patterson
    • Stars
      • Patrick Hickman
      • James Sheldon
    • 2User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Top cast2

    Edit
    Patrick Hickman
    Patrick Hickman
    • Rick
    James Sheldon
    James Sheldon
    • Mr. Black
    • Director
      • Kai Patterson
    • Writer
      • Kai Patterson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews2

    9.07
    1
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    10

    Featured reviews

    9justin-58554

    The Caligo Cuckoo: A Tale of Desperation and Betrayal

    The Caligo Cuckoo, a short film written and directed by Kai Patterson (the man behind the Obi-Wan Kenobi Patterson Cut), takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as we follow Rick, a desperate man who makes a questionable deal in his lowest moment.

    The Caligo Cuckoo is a beautifully shot short film that manages to capture the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere of an empty bar in the middle of a stormy night. From the thunder rumbling outside to the flickering fireplace in the bar, every detail adds to the tense mood of the scene.

    The story itself is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience guessing until the very end. It's a morality tale of sorts, as we watch Rick make a life-changing decision while tired and desperate. The stakes are high, and the consequences are severe, making for a gripping narrative.

    At only 16 minutes long, The Caligo Cuckoo doesn't overstay its welcome, yet it manages to pack a punch. There's no room for filler scenes, and every shot feels purposeful and impactful. Even the brief moments of silence or slow motion serve a crucial purpose in building tension or emphasizing a character's emotion.

    Kai Patterson shines in his many roles as writer, director, editor, and visual effects, showcasing his talent for creating a compelling story and bringing it to life on screen. The casting choices are also spot-on, with both actors delivering a nuanced and convincing performance.

    The ending is satisfying, wrapping up the story in a thought-provoking way that leaves the audience pondering the consequences of our choices. It's not a neat resolution, but it's emotionally resonant in a way that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

    The Caligo Cuckoo is a very well-made short film that's definitely worth your time, people it's only 16 minutes. Its storytelling and cinematography are impressive, and the performances are top-notch. Kai Patterson's vision as both writer and director comes through clearly, and it's exciting to see what he'll come up with next.

    The Caligo Cuckoo was crowdfunded via Indigogo and written, directed and produced by Kai Patterson. The short film stars Patrick Hickman as Rick and James Sheldon as Mr. Black.
    10alexwilson-32371

    GREAT!

    This definitely has the Twilight Zone vibe. It's perfectly short and I've seen it a couple times now. Every time I watch it, I notice something different in it. It makes you wonder, but there are no plot holes or bad lingering questions, so it's refreshing and cool!! There's a million different reasons to watch it and I think everyone should give it a shot! It's worth your fifteen minutes (give or take a minute). I loved it. I've watched a few of Kai Patterson's films and so far this one is my favorite. Or maybe second favorite. Watch it. Watch it. Watch it!! Just to add... I can't wait for whatever else Kai does.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • October 23, 2023 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • 3000 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA(The Caligo Cuckoo Bar)
    • Production companies
      • Black Petal Productions
      • Captured Starlight Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $8,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 16m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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