The 2020 Spanish-language thriller drama The Occupant (also known as Hogar), now streaming on Netflix, has left audiences spellbound, with viewers saying they remained uncertain about upcoming developments right until the final moments.
Written and directed by brothers David Pastor and Àlex Pastor, the film launched on Netflix on 25 March 2020, just as the globe was entering lockdown owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Plot and Cast
The film follows Javier Muñoz, a former executive compelled to sell his apartment following job loss. After disposing of his flat, Javier adopts stalker-like behaviour and develops an unhealthy fixation with the new residents of his former home, gradually beginning to invade their lives through various means.
The thriller drama features Javier Gutiérrez, Mario Casas, Bruna Cusí, Ruth Díaz, David Ramírez, David Selvas, David Verdaguer, and Vicky Luengo. It was originally scheduled for a March 2020 world premiere at the Málaga Spanish Film Festival, though the event was delayed due to the coronavirus lockdown, resulting in the film receiving a direct international release on Netflix.
Critical and Audience Response
Critics have been enthralled by the thriller, with one saying: "There's an interesting genre creep at hand in 'The Occupant.' At its outset, it is a domestic drama; by the conclusion, it's a tense, dark thriller. The transition is very careful - and fascinating to watch."
Another reviewer said of the film: "[Àlex Pastor and David Pastor] deliver a very entertaining and twisted thriller." While one critic noted: "The main reason why The Occupant works is Javier Gutierrez's dedicated performance as the psychopathic, dejected advertiser who would go to any heights to get what he wants."
Viewers have been equally captivated, with one fan drawing comparisons to Best Picture-winning Parasite: "A brilliant, underrated thriller. This film had an intriguing concept with a lot of possibilities, and it paid off! It was a tense, and gripping slow paced thriller. I really enjoyed this and it's super underrated! It reminded me a lot of Parasite (2019)!"
They added: "The Occupant (2020) was most definitely a slow-burn, but this worked so well and paid off greatly. There was an ominous atmosphere from the start, and the film keeps building the tension higher and higher. In addition, the film gets very disturbing too and takes so many unexpected twists and turns."
Another viewer described it as: "A little gem of a Spanish film with a terrific main character and good plot. One of those surprises you encounter every now and then. You won't regret it."
While one audience review reads: "Big WOW! Perfection from the beginning to the very end ! I don't speak spanish so I watched the entire film in subtitles but WOW!"
Yet another impressed viewer said: "This one entertains. It has a good premise, an uncomfortable atmosphere and a central character who is scary precisely because he doesn't seem a monster, just someone who could exist."
While another noted: "Excellent scenario, I didn't expect to end this way, it is a suspenful movie indeed. And a great performance by Javier Gutierrez."
One glowing review of the film says: "About 5 minutes in I almost turned it off. Then I was like well let me give it a try. One of the best movies I've seen in years!! Everything was so unpredictable!"
The Occupant is available to stream on Netflix.
