Exterritorial, a German action-thriller directed by Christian Zübert, has rapidly ascended to the top of Netflix’s global streaming rankings with over 38,300,000 views since its release on April 30, 2025. The film stars Jeanne Goursaud as Sara Wulf, a former Special Forces soldier grappling with PTSD, who embarks on a perilous mission to find her missing son within the confines of the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt.
The narrative unfolds as Sara’s son, Josh, mysteriously disappears during a routine visa appointment. Consulate officials deny any record of his presence, and surveillance footage appears to corroborate their claims, leading authorities and even Sara’s own mother to question her mental state. Undeterred, Sara clandestinely remains within the consulate, uncovering a conspiracy involving Eric Kynch (played by Dougray Scott), a security officer with a hidden past linked to Sara’s military service.
The film’s intense action sequences and psychological depth have resonated with audiences, propelling it to the number one spot on Netflix in 88 countries, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, within its first week of release . Critics have offered mixed reviews; while some praise Goursaud’s compelling performance and the film’s gripping pace, others point to narrative inconsistencies.
Produced by Constantin Film and distributed by Netflix, *Exterritorial* was filmed in Vienna and features a supporting cast that includes Lera Abova as Irina, a detainee who aids Sara in her quest. The film’s exploration of themes such as institutional corruption, maternal determination, and the psychological scars of warfare has sparked discussions among viewers and critics alike.
As *Exterritorial* continues to captivate a global audience, its success underscores the growing international appeal of German cinema and the potent storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.
Source: MSN
Photo: Netflix
