ASHOK’s FIVE reasons to watch “The Occupant” now streaming on Netflix. Another Spanish dark psychotic thriller on offer but what sets this apart is a question that movie buffs could well ask – what is the Oscar dazzler Parasite had none of its metaphors, intellectual heft and humour quotient going? The answer is that you would get ‘The Occupant’ and that is perhaps one reason to check this out.
1. Javier Gutierrez plays a greying ad executive who has lost his job and is forced to move his family out from his posh dwellings in upscale Barcelona to a lowly set-up. He has access to his former apartment and starts following the new tenants and goes on to influence their life in a dark and disturbing manner that leaves you reaching out for that glass of whisky! The contrast for a man who in his heydays would sell dreams with a line that went “The life you deserve” is palpable as he starts stalking his victims!
2. Writer-Director duo Alex and David Pastor bring to you the old-world stalker thriller but what sets it apart is of course the anti-capitalist narrative without going into the debate too much. The theme is simply a context for the actions of the protagonist.
3. The Occupant is rather well made, with an eye for detail and some delightful visual framing. The moody lighting sets it apart and gives you a rich feel to the settings. The drawbacks though are inadequate character development and a first half that meanders a little too much in setting up the thrill later on.
4. Javier’s character and his resemblance to Dr Hannibal Lecter is striking and the over-sized nose with flared nostrils are striking!
5. Javier’s character is interesting in as much as it is blatantly unapologetic and as evinced in his dialogue “I’m going to grab my life, my life, by the horns, without asking for permission or apologizing”. He is seeking to set down the experience of an interview with some teeny boppers where he ends up being humiliated.
The Occupant is dark, disturbing and psychotic at its best. Full marks to the Spanish to come up with plots like this. Make sure you are nursing a large stiff drink as you settle down to watch this!
Comments