Is Exterritorial on Netflix Worth Watching? Full Review and Breakdown!

Exterritorial is a German thriller that blends action, mystery, and suspense - now streaming on Netflix.

Directed by Christian Zübert, the film stars Jeanne Goursaud as Sara, a former soldier on a harrowing quest for answers after her son mysteriously vanishes.

Sara, a former soldier who served in Afghanistan, is haunted by traumatic memories. During what seems like a normal day at the park with her son, a sudden trigger brings back the memory of a tragic mission where she was the sole survivor. Her instinctive reaction shows just how deeply her military training still runs.

Four years later, as she tries to rebuild her life, she applies for a U.S. work visa. But during a routine visit to the consulate, her son Josh suddenly disappears without a trace. What follows is a tense and disorienting journey, where nothing is as it seems. Reality becomes blurred by the effects of post-traumatic stress, and Sara must rely on her instincts to find her way.

With little help from the cold and unempathetic consulate staff, Sara begins to realize she's being manipulated. Despite the growing obstacles, she uses her combat skills to follow leads and confront shady characters in a desperate attempt to rescue her son - and uncover the truth.

Official Trailer

The Lead: Sara (Jeanne Goursaud)

Known for her role in Barbarians, the hit Netflix series, Jeanne Goursaud brings a more emotional and vulnerable side to the screen - though she remains physically commanding. Her performance strikes a strong balance between the warrior instincts of a trained soldier and the desperation of a mother in crisis. She carries the film with commitment and intensity, even when the script falters.

It's impressive how Goursaud draws viewers into Sara’s emotional and psychological turmoil. Frequent close-up shots highlight her expressions of tension, confusion, and fear - helping us empathize with her, even when the story ventures into the surreal.

One of Exterritorial’s biggest strengths is how it blends action, mystery, and psychological tension seamlessly. Jeanne Goursaud delivers a strong performance, balancing the emotional fragility of a desperate mother with the resilience of a trained fighter.

The film maintains a solid level of suspense, keeping viewers questioning what’s real and what may be distorted by trauma. While the budget is modest, the action scenes are well-choreographed and deliver an adrenaline rush.

Visually, the film embraces cold tones, tight framing, and claustrophobic settings to enhance the atmosphere of paranoia and isolation. The soundtrack is subtle but effective in building tension.

Despite its strengths, Exterritorial has some notable weaknesses. It lacks a truly shocking twist, making the storyline feel predictable at times. After a strong opening, the plot meanders into unnecessary subplots that add little to the central narrative.

Some fight scenes lack emotional weight, and certain lines of dialogue feel unnatural. Small inconsistencies - like disappearing wounds - can break immersion for attentive viewers.

Reception

The film has received mixed reviews. On IMDb, it holds an average rating of 6.5, reflecting divided opinions. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised its balance of action and narrative but also pointed out the same flaws mentioned here.

Exterritorial begins with the tone of a serious drama, but quickly shifts with some unexpected moments - like the scene where Sara uses a toilet seat lid as a weapon. These scenes define the film's tone: a blend of emotional realism and over-the-top action that partially works but loses focus over time.

If you're into well-crafted fight scenes and can overlook some exaggerated elements, there’s definitely fun to be had. The movie aims to combine emotional depth with thrills, but that balance doesn't always hold. At times, it feels more like a Mission: Impossible episode than a grounded psychological thriller, which might disappoint those expecting a more mature narrative.

So, Is Exterritorial Worth Watching?

Despite its flaws, the film offers decent entertainment. It has exciting moments, even if it’s far from perfect. If you're in the mood for action and can look past a few plot holes, you might enjoy Exterritorial.

In my opinion, it’s a middle-of-the-road thriller. It doesn’t deliver major surprises, and its inconsistencies may be distracting. Still, if you’re just looking to kick back on a rainy day with some mindless action, this could be a satisfying pick.

Until next time!