In a gripping new thriller titled Exterritorial, directed by Christian Zübert, audiences are thrust into a chilling scenario where a mother’s worst nightmare unfolds. The film, which began streaming on Netflix on April 30, 2025, stars Jeanne Goursaud as Sara, an ex-Bundeswehr soldier who finds herself in a desperate search for her son, Josh, who disappears during a visit to the US Consulate in Frankfurt.
The premise of Exterritorial is unsettling: Sara and her son arrive at the consulate, only for Josh to vanish without a trace. As Sara pleads for help, she discovers that no one at the consulate seems to remember her son’s presence. This eerie twist sets the stage for a narrative steeped in paranoia and tension, reminiscent of previous Hollywood thrillers like Flightplan and Fractured, which also explore themes of lost children and the struggle for truth.
As the plot unfolds, Sara's determination to find her son leads her deeper into the consulate's shadowy corridors, where she encounters a web of lies and deceit. Critics have pointed out that the film's action sequences, featuring a strong and capable female lead, provide some excitement. "If you’re a fan of muscular women, you’re going to get a good kick out of this one," remarked one reviewer, highlighting the film's focus on Sara's physicality as she navigates the dangers of her environment.
However, the film has received mixed reviews, with many critics citing its uninspired plot and predictable storyline. One review noted, "The film is a round one-and-a-half hours long, but it navigates through a conventional action thriller plot that feels all too familiar." This sentiment is echoed by another critic who described the film as "lazy" and lacking in originality, stating that it fails to offer anything new to the genre.
Despite these criticisms, Goursaud’s performance has been praised as a highlight of the film. Her portrayal of a traumatized mother battling PTSD while searching for her son adds a layer of depth to the character. "Jeanne Goursaud is excellent as an ex-soldier and present mom with PTSD," one review stated, emphasizing her ability to convey the emotional turmoil of a mother in crisis.
While the film attempts to build suspense through its setting—a consulate that is portrayed as a maze of locked doors and hidden agendas—the execution has been questioned. "Is it natural for a consulate to have so many rooms locked and be so maze-like?" asked a critic, suggesting that the film’s depiction of the consulate may stretch credibility. This aspect, combined with a reliance on intense music to create tension, has led some to feel that the stakes never truly feel realistic.
In terms of character dynamics, the film features Dougray Scott as Erik, who plays a significant role in Sara's journey. One reviewer noted the interesting dynamic between Sara and Erik, particularly in their shared experiences as parents. However, the review also pointed out that Erik's character could have been explored further, stating, "Erik is an interesting character and doesn’t necessarily get explored enough before things kick off in the latter half of the film."
As for the supporting cast, Lera Abova’s role as Irina has been described as nearly negligible, indicating that her character could have contributed more to the narrative. Critics agreed that the film could have benefited from deeper character development across the board.
Ultimately, Exterritorial has sparked a debate about the state of action thrillers on streaming platforms like Netflix. Some viewers appreciate the film for its pacing and action sequences, while others find it lacking in substance and originality. One critic concluded, "At the end of the day, if you’re okay with a few plot holes but enjoy a well-paced action movie, then you might enjoy Exterritorial more than I did. However, if you’re looking for something unique, with some crazy twists and turns, then this one is not going to scratch that itch for you."
With a rating of 2.5 stars, Exterritorial sits at a crossroads, offering moments of excitement but ultimately falling short of delivering a fresh take on the action-thriller genre. As the film navigates familiar tropes, it raises the question of whether audiences are ready for something new or if they are content with the same old formula.
