The Intruder

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Behind The Intruder: A Conversation with Olaf Kraemer

Top 4 Films About Friendships Tested by Dark Secrets

The Intruder (5 Frauen, 2016)
Germany

Director: Olaf Kraemer
Cast: Anna König, Odine Johne, Kaya Marie Möller
Genre: Thriller
Length: 98’

Presentation:

In the serene beauty of the South of France, five lifelong friends gather for what should have been a peaceful retreat, but an unexpected intruder shatters their idyllic escape, plunging them into a nightmarish web of secrets, betrayal, and danger. Eurochannel premieres The Intruder.

Every year, five childhood friends gather at a serene estate in the south of France, a tradition that has endured since their youth. It's a time for laughter, shared memories, and a much-needed escape from the complexities of their adult lives. But this year, their idyllic getaway takes a dark and shocking turn in The Intruder - a gripping tale of secrets, guilt, and the fragility of friendship.

The story begins with Marie, Anna, Nora, Ginette, and Stephanie reuniting at Marie's family estate, a picturesque retreat that seems worlds away from their daily troubles. Despite their shared history, tensions simmer beneath the surface. Stephanie, a confident and career-driven woman, is at odds with Nora over a personal betrayal, while Marie struggles with unresolved trauma from her past. The cracks in their friendship start to show, but the group does their best to maintain the illusion of harmony.

On the first night, their fragile camaraderie is shattered when an intruder breaks into the house. Under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs, the women’s fear and confusion spiral into violence. In the chaos, the stranger is killed. As dawn breaks, they are left with a horrifying reality: a lifeless body and no clear plan. Panic sets in as they grapple with the potential consequences of their actions. Should they call the police and risk being implicated, or conceal the evidence and try to move on as if nothing happened?

Their decision to hide the body sets off a chain of events that tests the limits of their loyalty and morality. The situation grows even more precarious when a mysterious man named Marek arrives, claiming to be searching for his missing brother. His charm and probing questions unsettle the group, especially as he begins to suspect they are hiding something. Tensions escalate, alliances shift, and the women’s secrets threaten to unravel under the pressure.

As Marek’s true intentions come to light, the lines between victim and villain blur, leading to a gripping climax that will leave audiences questioning the nature of trust and the cost of survival. With its stunning setting, layered performances, and a storyline that keeps viewers on edge, The Intruder is a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, a reminder that even the closest of friendships can be tested when faced with the unthinkable.

Synopsis:
Five female friends reunite for a relaxing getaway at a rental property in the south of France. One night, when an intruder breaks in, their holiday takes a terrifying turn.

Awards and festivals:
• Munich Film Festival 2016 - Nominee - Young German Cinema Award - Direction
• Munich Film Festival 2016 - Nominee - Young German Cinema Award -Best Production
• Munich Film Festival 2016 - Nominee - Nominee Young German Cinema Award - Screenwriting
• Munich Film Festival 2016 - Nominee - Young German Cinema Award - Acting
• Jupiter Award 2018 - Nominee Jupiter Award - Best German Film

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