Paramount+ Exclusive: 'The Occupant' Sci-Fi Thriller Now Streaming
Paramount+ subscribers have a new must-watch addition to their streaming lineup with the exclusive release of the science fiction thriller 'The Occupant.' This film, described as 'majestic' by critics, features a twist that has left fans and reviewers alike stunned and unable to guess its outcome. Available from Thursday, 19th February, it marks the feature debut of director Hugo Keijzer and has quickly garnered acclaim for its intense and unpredictable narrative.
Plot and Critical Acclaim
The film follows Abby, played by Ella Balinska, who takes a high-risk job at a uranium mine in Northern Georgia to fund experimental treatment for her sister Beth's terminal cancer. Her journey home is derailed when her helicopter crashes in remote mountains, leaving her stranded. She finds hope through John, an American pilot radioing from nearby, portrayed by Rob Delaney, but soon uncovers a disturbing truth that forces an impossible choice.
On Rotten Tomatoes, 'The Occupant' holds a 94 percent rating, with critics praising it as 'powerful and striking' and 'intense, quiet, beautifully shot, and terrifying.' One review highlights its 'majestically scaled, emotionally intimate and ambitious' conceit, though noting some divisiveness due to narrative ambiguity. Fans on Letterboxd have echoed this enthusiasm, with a five-star review exclaiming, 'The amount of times my jaw dropped and the amount of times I wrongly guessed what the plot twist was going to be. I LOVED THIS MOVIE.'
Cast and Production Details
Ella Balinska, known for her roles in the 2019 'Charlie's Angels' reboot and the recent 'Resident Evil' series, delivers a stunning lead performance. Rob Delaney, star of 'Deadpool' and 'Catastrophe,' brings depth to the enigmatic role of John Fisher. The film blends survival and sci-fi elements, creating an adrenaline-fuelled journey into the wilderness that has captivated early viewers.
A fan review on Letterboxd summarized the experience: 'A beautiful slowburn about grief, acceptance and resilience. The film's different locations were gorgeous and the way it was shot really emphasised how small one is when lost in the wilderness. We were hooked from the start, sure it had some flaws but overall it was very enjoyable!'
Streaming Availability and Promotion
'The Occupant' is streaming exclusively on Paramount+, coinciding with a promotional half-price sale on Standard and Premium subscriptions until July 10. This offer provides an opportunity for new subscribers to access the platform and experience this standout thriller. Sci-fi enthusiasts are encouraged to add this film to their watchlist, as it represents a spectacular debut that has already made waves in the streaming community.
