Movie Review: Exterritorial (2025)

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Director: (Director Name Not Publicized)
Cast: Jeanne Goursaud, Lera Auer, Matthias Schoenaerts, August Diehl

Genre: Action / Thriller
Runtime: Approx. 110 minutes
Platform: Theatrical Release

Overview:
Exterritorial doesn’t pretend to reinvent the wheel—and frankly, it doesn’t have to. In the sea of gritty rescue missions and lone-parent survival tales, this 2025 action-thriller finds its niche by grounding its violence and offering visceral, close-quarters fight choreography. Jeanne Goursaud leads the charge in a role that leans heavily on physicality and determination, and she carries the film with remarkable grit.

Plot:
At its heart, the story is familiar: a parent thrust into extraordinary circumstances must fight to save their kidnapped child. The setup is basic, perhaps even predictable, but the execution manages to hold attention. As the protagonist is drawn into a dangerous web of international conspiracies and shadowy organizations, the stakes remain personal and the tension effective—if not overly original.

Casting & Performances:
Jeanne Goursaud proves to be a solid choice for the lead. Her physique strikes a believable balance—athletic but not superhuman—which makes her combat sequences feel grounded and hard-earned. Unlike some action heroines who seem invincible from the get-go, Goursaud’s character takes a beating. She’s bloodied, bruised, and visibly struggling in each confrontation, making her eventual triumphs all the more satisfying.

Lera Auer, who’s already generating buzz for her upcoming role in One Piece, shines in her supporting role. While her screen time is limited, she brings a magnetic energy and leaves a strong impression—enough to warrant the attention she’s receiving. Her performance adds depth to what might otherwise have been a forgettable side character.

Supporting actors Matthias Schoenaerts and August Diehl add weight and credibility to the cast. While their roles are mostly functional—serving to move the story along—they never feel phoned in.

Action & Cinematography:
Once the film finds its rhythm (after a somewhat slow and dialogue-heavy first act), the pacing picks up. The fight choreography is dynamic, with a lot of movement and tight framing that gives a fluid, kinetic feel. There’s a visceral edge to the action—the filmmakers don’t hold back on the blood or brutality, which suits the tone of the film. Unlike some stylized action flicks, Exterritorial aims for grit over gloss, and it mostly succeeds.

Critique:
The biggest shortcoming of the film is its predictability. The story doesn’t offer twists or emotional surprises. There are moments that raise questions, and while some are answered by the end, others are left dangling. It’s clear the film prioritizes action and atmosphere over narrative complexity.

Acting, while competent, doesn’t quite elevate the material. No performances are award-worthy, but everyone commits to the tone and intensity of the story. It’s a functional ensemble, doing exactly what’s needed for the genre.

Conclusion:
Exterritorial isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s undeniably entertaining for fans of action thrillers. If you walk in looking for emotional depth or fresh storytelling, you’ll likely walk away underwhelmed. But if you’re here for grounded fights, gritty survival sequences, and a strong female lead who earns every win with blood and sweat, you’ll have a solid time.

Rating: 3.5/5

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