The Occupant

The film waves off character development and merely side-eyes its frustrations with capitalism in its rush to convince us that this dullard is in fact a supervillain

It's not without some pleasures but never really grips the way it should.

tarts as an intriguing, and sharply observed portrait of middle-age frustration and failure in an unforgiving culture of materialism and competition before morphing into a thriller that increasingly defies credulity

Javier Gutiérrez knows how to give his character touches of ambiguity and confusion, to generate uncertainty in the viewer. [Full review in Spanish]

The main reason why The Occupant works is Javier Gutierrez's dedicated performance as the psychopathic, dejected advertiser who would go to any heights to get what he wants.

The film is an ungodly look at the career of older professionals, but isn't particularly creative or shocking. [Full Review in Spanish]

This is a good thriller, but one can't help but feel that it didn't quite reach its full potential. [Full Review in Spanish]

There's an interesting genre creep at hand in "The Occupant." At its outset, it is a domestic drama; by the conclusion, it's a tense, dark thriller. The transition is very careful - and fascinating to watch.

Siblings David and Àlex Pastor helm this psychodramatic exercise in unease that doesn't quite click, despite a strong and scary performance by Javier Gutiérrez.

The Occupant may have a few flaws but is still an entertaining watch, especially for a character study on perception, desire, greed and obsession for success.