Ronnie, a loner who lives with his possessive mother, is deemed unfit for military service due to his history of mental instability and petty crime. Retreating into the world of extremist internet groups, he creates a vlogchannel, from which he decries what he describes as the downfall of "real America." Meanwhile, prompted by sexual frustration, he agrees to play the role of cuckold in a couple's homemade amateur pornography, unaware they are exploiting him. He buys an unregistered handgun and begins to spend time at firing ranges. He meets his online idol, a charismatic leader of the alt-right. However, when his identity as a "cuck" emerges, his macho persona is destroyed. Facing online shaming, Ronnie takes solace in his gun, which he regards as the only symbol of masculinity he has left.
Cast
Production
Development
Following several collaborative screenwriting projects, Lambert and Varkle set out to produce a feature film. Beginning in 2016, they outlined several projects that would support a close character study of an isolated individual. Inspired by headlines of mass shooters brainwashed by online hate groups, they opted to tell an "angry young man" story. The filmmakers researched online communities of self-described "red pillers" and "incels" in order to make their character realistic and relatable. Lambert and Varkle began writing the screenplay in May 2017. The first draft was completed in July 2017; the script was submitted to the Black List in September 2017. The script received polarizing reviews, with many critics divided over its frank portrayal of hate and sexuality. Lambert and Varkle were later interviewed by the Black List after the film began production.
Casting
Lambert and Varkle screened actors who could balance vulnerability with volatility, ultimately settling on Zachary Ray Sherman, who gained forty-five pounds for the role.
Release
On June 19, 2019, it was announced that Gravitas Ventures had acquired the North American distribution rights for the film. The film was officially released in select theaters and through VOD services on October 4, 2019. Following the movie's release, the box office report gained controversy, where incorrect box office numbers were reported, however later it was revealed that is was due to the box office figures remaining undisclosed. Even after the release, earnings were not disclosed.
Reception
Critical response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 44% based on 16 reviews, with a weighted average of 4.81/10. On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 40 out of 100, based on five critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Variety praised the "strong performances and atmosphere" of the film but described Cuck as an "overlong" and "downbeat drama" with a "contrived" plot. The Guardian writer Charles Bramesco favored Cuck to Todd Phillips' 2019 film Joker, calling it "more repellent, honest and astute than this week's odds-on box office champion." The New York Times panned the film as "an ugly... and self-congratulatory wallow."
