The Occupant is a compelling drama-thriller, directed by Àlex Pastor and David Pastor, that tells the story of Javier, a once-successful executive who is now struggling to make ends meet after losing his job and everything he owned. The movie portrays the character’s quest to reclaim his former life. Here’s an in-depth synopsis that provides detailed insights into the story.
Synopsis
The Occupant introduces us to Javier, a former executive who loses his job and struggles to find employment. Consequently, he can no longer afford the luxury apartment he once owned with his wife, Marga, and their son, Dani. Unable to pay the rent, Javier is forced to move with his family into a smaller and dingy apartment.
Despite his relentless job hunt, Javier keeps getting rejected. One day, feeling nostalgic and desperate, he visits his former apartment. He realizes that he still has a spare key and decides to sneak in. Javier discovers that the apartment now belongs to a family- Tomas, Lara, and their daughter Monica.
Intrigued, Javier tries to figure out who they are. After snooping around, he learns that Tomas is an alcoholic receiving treatment at a rehab center. Furthermore, he discovers that Tom, in a drunk state, had once accidentally injured his wife and daughter. Excited by the opportunity to reclaim his former life, Javier devises a plan to take over the family’s lives.
Javier pretends to be a therapy patient and befriends Tomas, who also sees him as a friend with similar life experiences. After getting close to Tomas, Javier is invited to dinner at Tomas’s apartment to meet Lara and Monica. Javier continues his plan of scheming and lying to take over their lives.
Damian, the gardener at the apartment complex, sees Javier entering the apartment and threatens to expose him unless he helps him with his perverse plans. After handling Damian, Javier manipulates Lara and Tomas, plant false evidence and causes the couple to fight. The plan is momentarily interrupted by Damian again, who threatens to expose him if he doesn’t comply with his latest set of demands. With his cunning mind, Javier orchestrates a plan that will see Lara accidentally kill Tomas with a pepper spray ingredient that causes a lethal allergic reaction due to Javier’s clever manipulation.
After Tomas’s death, Javier marries Lara and replaces Tom as the vice director of Lara’s father’s business, regaining his former life. However, Marga threatens to report him for killing Tomas. Javier warns her not to take that step, as he will stop supporting their son, and she will lose her apartment.
Conclusion
The Occupant is an incredible drama-thriller that tells a captivating tale of a man whose desperation leads him down an unethical path. The film shows how one’s decision to change their life can result in far-reaching consequences. Javier’s scheme to reclaim his life is both intriguing and thought-provoking, offering an excellent perspective on the human psyche. As a fan of thriller movies, The Occupant certainly delivers the adrenaline rush and suspense that I expect from such productions.
