The Occupantis a movie with a very simple premise on the surface. The sci-fi thriller film quickly introduces us to Abby (Ella Balinska), a young geologist on a mission to save her sister from a terminal cancer diagnosis. To save her life, she turns to her geology background to try mining materials in a remote area of Europe, hoping to find something that can fund a cure. She discovers a rare metal, but, upon transporting it back, her helicopter crashes, leaving her as the sole survivor. The movie is a simple survival story, with Abby trying to find her way back home after the devastating incident. However, she soon learns she’s not alone. What’s more, the area houses an unseen danger that makes her thrilling tale of survival all the more engaging as she tries to get back home to save her sister’s life. On its own, the premise is bare-bones; but, by focusing on a smaller story and ditching complexity, The Occupant presents a very human tale about grief and loss.
The Occupant Perfectly Encapsulates The Trials Of Grief & Love

The Movie Isn’t Just About Abby’s Fight To Get Home

Abby’s attempt to get home is the core of the film, as she’s accompanied by nothing more than a mysterious voice on her radio that says he’s also in the same area. The film’s presentation is unique. Aside from the setup to her helicopter crash, Abby and the person she’s speaking to are the only ones in the movie. Relying only on the voice of a person she’s never seen makes her journey all the more isolating. It also hints at the potential dangers she could be in as secrets are revealed.

She’s determined to do whatever it takes to save her, but there’s an underlying feeling throughout that she’s going to learn a deeper, wiser lesson in the process.

But it’s not just Abby’s journey and the emotional performance from Balinska that makes the survival movie so enthralling. It’s also the central message of the film, as Abby pushes through insurmountable obstacles to get back to her sister. As her journey continues, though, it becomes a very clear metaphor for the desperation and grief she feels, knowing that her sister has been handed a death sentence. She’s determined to do whatever it takes to save her, but there’s an underlying feeling throughout that she’s going to learn a deeper, wiser lesson in the process. This is accompanied by the mysterious metal she’s traveling with. Even before the helicopter crashes, it’s clear the object has unnatural powers, becoming a core reason why Abby becomes stranded in the first place. While the rock itself acts as a standard sci-fi object, the way it’s incorporated into the story makes it a symbol that’s a core part of Abby’s journey — not just her physical one. That deeper connection she has to it, and how it relates to her trying to save her sister, is, surprisingly, the emotional core of the movie.
The Occupant Makes Perfect Use Of Its Narrative, Despite One Notable Flaw

One Aspect Of The Presentation Stumbles At Certain Points

What makes The Occupant’s story so powerful is how well it utilizes its isolation and sci-fi elements to make Abby’s journey so meaningful. This is bolstered by fantastic camerawork and cinematography, which emphasize her isolation at various points in creative ways. The movie makes it feel like she’s alone, feeding off the panic of her sister’s state so far away to make her survival a race against time. It’s a perfect blend of all the strongest elements of the movie, giving her journey depth beyond what’s being shown onscreen.

The film may be a simple story of survival on the surface, but the deeper layers offer universal messages that are potent and powerful.

The only downside muddles the presentation in some areas. The pacing of The Occupant is rather choppy — a fast-paced beginning gives way to a story that fluctuates between breakneck and slogging. There’s even some in between, which is where the movie shines the most. Because of how uneven the pacing is, it does take away from Abby’s overall attempt to get home. Luckily, it doesn’t fully negate the film’s strengths, which are much more prominent than this one flaw. Thanks to the meaningful, symbolic journey Abby goes on, The Occupant manages to present a deeply resonant story about grief, loss, and what love can drive a person to do in the darkest hour. The film may be a simple story of survival on the surface, but the deeper layers offer universal messages that are potent and powerful. Even with its pacing issues, this movie is a strong look at the nature of grief, while showcasing important themes in very meaningful ways.

The Occupant

7/10

Release Date

August 8, 2025

Runtime

104 minutes

Director

Hugo Keijzer

Writers

Roelof Jan Minneboo, Hugo Keijzer, Philip Michael Howe, Xiao Tang

Producers

Kwesi Dickson, Jay Taylor, Raymond van der Kaaij

Pros & Cons

Expertly sends powerful messages about grief and loss through its isolated survival story.
Ella Balinska stands out as Abby, offering a realistically emotional portrayal.
The sci-fi elements serve as important symbolism, getting clearer as the film progresses.

Inconsistent pacing leaves some emotional weak spots despite the important messages.