Exterritorial: What you need to know About the Political Thriller Taking Place in a maze

Netflix has just dropped the first high-octane trailer for Exterritorial, and it's already sending chills down viewers’ spines. Previewed earlier by Netflix Germany, the intense German thriller revolves around whispers of espionage, erased identities, and secrets buried behind diplomatic walls, which are now out in the open. Leading the charge is Jeanne Goursaud, whose fierce, no-nonsense presence demands your full attention.

Forget what you think you know about political thrillers—Exterritorial is rewriting the rules with a relentless pace, visceral action, and haunting atmosphere. The trailer hints at brutal hand-to-hand combat, cryptic threats, and a maze of lies that keep the truth locked behind polished consulate doors. With its sharp visuals and emotionally loaded tension, this film might just be Netflix’s most nail-biting release of the year. 

So what exactly is Exterritorial, and why has it suddenly become the thriller everyone’s buzzing about? We’re breaking down the latest reveals, including the official release update, trailer moments you may have missed, and the creative minds powering this pulse-pounding story. Stay with us—more twists and turns are coming, and we’re updating this piece as new clues drop.

Release date & Where to Watch

Exterritorial is set to premiere as a Netflix release on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

What is the plot of Exterritorial?

Former elite soldier Sara is ready to start a new life in the U.S. with her son Joshua, far from the traumas of her military past. But during a routine appointment at the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt, Joshua vanishes — and to Sara’s shock, no one acknowledges ever seeing him enter the building.

When officials dismiss her claims and demand she leave, Sara refuses. Knowing the German authorities have no jurisdiction inside the consulate, she hides within its maze-like corridors and begins a relentless search for her son. As she uncovers layers of deception and uncovers a growing conspiracy, Sara must rely on her combat instincts and wits — but even her own perceptions begin to blur.

Caught between a ruthless security chief, a mysterious captive, and a web of diplomatic secrets, Sara risks everything in a fight no parent should ever have to face. Exterritorial is a gripping thriller about a mother’s unwavering determination in the face of power, lies, and international immunity.

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Who’s in the cast of Exterritorial?

• Jeanne Goursaud (Barbarians) as Sara

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• Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible II) as chief of security, Erik Kynch
• Lera Abova (Honey Don’t!) as Irina, the daughter of a Russian oligarch
• Kayode Akinyemi (Vikings: Valhalla) as Sergeant Donovan
• Annabelle Mandeng as Deborah Allen
• Samuel Tehrani (Runny Dry) as Taliban Leader
• Jeremy Schuetze (Jennifer’s Body) as Sergeant Howe
• Kris Saddler as Justin Martello
• Nina Liu as Joanna
• Rada Rae as Aileen
• Michael Rogers as Service Manager Check In
• Lara Babalola as Service Manager Information desk
• Samia Hofmann as Sergeant Havlicek
• Ivan Forlani as Technician
• Melissa Holroyd as Female Clerk
• Susanne Michel as Anja
• Anon Mall as Sergeant Schlesinger
• Emanuel Fellmer as Security

Is There a Trailer for Exterritorial?

The trailer for Exterritorial plunges viewers into a high-stakes narrative where former special forces operative Sara confronts a harrowing mystery: her son vanishes within the confines of the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt. The tension escalates as officials deny his presence, prompting Sara's desperate plea: "I can't find my son." Her unwavering determination is met with bureaucratic indifference, leading her to assert, "I think he’s been kidnapped." 

As the trailer unfolds, Sara's maternal instincts and combat training converge. A voice ominously commands, "Find her. But keep it quiet," highlighting the clandestine forces at play. Sara's resolve is palpable when she declares, "I'm trained for this," signaling her readiness to confront any obstacle. 

The trailer showcases intense action sequences, from stealth infiltrations to close-quarters combat, underscoring the film's adrenaline-fueled pace. The atmospheric visuals, combined with a suspenseful score, amplify the sense of urgency and danger. As Sara delves deeper into the consulate's secrets, the stakes intensify, culminating in her poignant inquiry: "Where is Josh?" 

The trailer for Exterritorial promises a gripping blend of emotional depth and relentless action, setting the stage for a thrilling cinematic experience. Watch the full trailer below.

Filming Details

Filming for Exterritorial took place in Germany and Austria. Main locations included Frankfurt am Main and Alte Wirtschaftsuniversität. Shooting began on September 18, 2023, and ended in November 2023 (via 4Filming).

Behind the Scenes

Exterritorial is a 2025 German-language action thriller written and directed by Christian Zübert. It is produced by Constantin Film. Kerstin Schmidbauer leads production, with Oliver Berben as executive producer, alongside producers Franziska Suppee, Verena Vogl, and Götz Marx.

The creative team includes cinematographer Matthias Pötsch, composer Sara Barone, editor Ueli Christen, casting directors Cornelia von Braun and Lisa Stutzky, production designer Heike Lange, costume designer Anna Zeitlhuber, sound designer Herbert Verdino, and make-up artist Aurora Hummer. Florian Hotz coordinated stunts, while Katharina Haudum oversaw intimacy scenes.