Netflix subscribers are championing The Occupant (also known as Hogar), a 2020 Spanish-language thriller drama, as a 'brilliant' and 'underrated' gem that keeps viewers guessing until the final moment. The film, written and directed by brothers David Pastor and Àlex Pastor, was released on Netflix on March 25, 2020, as the world entered lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Slow-Burn Thriller With a Stalker Premise
The story centres on Javier Muñoz, a former executive forced to sell his flat because of unemployment. After the sale, Javier adopts an unsettling, stalker-like disposition and becomes fixated on the new residents of his former home, gradually worming his way into their lives in various ways.
The cast includes Javier Gutiérrez, Mario Casas, Bruna Cusí, Ruth Díaz, David Ramírez, David Selvas, David Verdaguer, and Vicky Luengo. Originally scheduled for a world premiere at the Málaga Spanish Film Festival in March 2020, the event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to a direct international release on Netflix.
Critics and Fans Praise the Film
Critics have been impressed by the film's genre shift. One review noted: "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 critic described it as "a very entertaining and twisted thriller," while a third highlighted "Javier Gutierrez's dedicated performance as the psychopathic, dejected advertiser who would go to any heights to get what he wants."
Audience reactions have been equally enthusiastic. One fan compared it to the Oscar-winning Parasite, writing: "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)!"
Viewers Recommend the 'Little Gem'
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." One audience review read: "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!"
Another impressed fan 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." A further review added: "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 concluded: "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.
