The Occupant (2020) Movie Review -- From Owner to Intruder: A Chilling Descent into Madness

 

The Occupant (Original title: Hogar) | 2020 | 1h 43m
Genre: Drama/Thriller | Country: Spain
Director: David Pastor, Àlex Pastor | Writers: Àlex Pastor, David Pastor
Cast: Javier Gutiérrez, Mario Casas, Bruna Cusí
IMDB: 6.4
My Rate: 7/10

Javier Muñoz moves out of his luxurious apartment due to financial problems – becomes obsessed with the new occupants of the apartment to the point of doing everything he can to get back his “life” while ignoring what he already has.

Warning:

Violent scenes, harsh language, alcohol, drugs

 

Synopsis:

Javier and his family must move out of their luxurious apartment due to financial problems. Javier, who used to hold a high position, has to start everything from scratch after losing his job. His search for a new job does not go smoothly, to the point where they are forced to move to a cheaper apartment.

Javier still cannot accept all the misfortunes that have happened in his life. He accidentally finds a spare key to his former apartment while checking his car. This leads Javier to plan a visit to his old apartment.

Thomas and his family are the new occupants of the apartment. Javier feels jealous of the happiness that radiates from their family photo and of the achievements of Monica, Thomas’s daughter. A strange obsession begins to grow within him. Javier starts approaching Thomas and uses Thomas's weaknesses to manipulate his life. Javier tries to take back what he believes is “his right” by any means necessary.

What will Javier do next?

 

Review:

The Occupant is a thriller film with an interesting storyline. In general, the main character Javier feels unwilling to let go of what he has had all this time—wealth and happiness that he built through hard work. This is what underlies everything that happens in the film: denial and envy.
Even though this may seem illogical, it could happen. There have been cases where someone is willing to kill to take the identity of their victim and live as that person. This could also be happening around us without our knowledge. Jealousy is one of the most dangerous things in this world.

The story opens very well, with the introduction of Javier as the main character. His difficulties in finding a job and his financial problems are clearly presented. Although it is not clearly explained why he is unemployed—whether he was fired or resigned—there is a dialogue that might give a little clue when Javier says he became unproductive and was considered old. However, it is uncertain whether that is true or just part of his manipulative narrative.

Other important characters are the tenants after Javier, namely Thomas and Lara. The audience is also given clarity about their backgrounds and the problems they are facing. This becomes a strong enough foundation to enter the conflict.

Problems arise mostly from external factors, which will certainly affect the internal side of the characters. The most noticeable thing is Javier's ability to manipulate. This triggers various conflicts leading to a fairly interesting climax.

The resolution may be slightly unsatisfying. This is also influenced by the overall logic of the story and character development. Many things seem illogical, although Javier’s character is quite strong and prominent.

Several aspects make the story seem less believable, such as how easily Thomas and Lara are manipulated. Javier’s character is clearly suspicious from his behavior and the way he talks. Even the manipulations he performs are not subtle and are very obvious.

Thomas is too quick to trust others and overshares. The character of Lara also seems too easily won over by Javier’s kindness and trusts him—a man she just met—rather than her own husband. This is what makes the ending feel a little unsatisfying. #spoiler: Lara easily moves on and accepts Javier into her life without checking his background.

Another unrealistic element is how the computer in the apartment is easily accessed without any security lock. Locking a device is the most basic step in maintaining security. Another oddity is how the neighbor’s dog always barks whenever Javier comes, even though he should have a familiar scent and not arouse suspicion, considering he was the previous resident.

Javier Gutierrez’s acting is quite good in portraying a mysterious character, especially with his facial expressions. However, Mario Casas as Thomas could be improved, especially in expressing anger, which doesn’t show strongly enough on his face.

Overall, this film is still worth watching and interesting.

 

Memorable Scene:

After taking Lara and Monica to meet the gymnastics athlete, Javier sends a photo of them together to Thomas. Thomas, who had left Lara and Monica after their argument, becomes angry at this because he feels betrayed.

In this scene, we can see Javier’s gaze and manipulative plan quite clearly. This is proven by how it triggers Thomas’s emotions. In real life, situations like this may often occur—manipulations that we sometimes do not even realize we have fallen into.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"I'm going to grab life, my life, by the horns without asking for permission or apologizing."

 

Ending:

Happy Ending for the main character

 

Recommendation:

Worth to Watch

(Aluna)