Netflix’s Exterritorial is a gripping German-language action thriller that has captivated audiences with its intense plot and stunning visuals. Directed by Christian Zübert, the film follows Sara, a former Special Forces soldier, as she searches for her missing son inside the US consulate in Frankfurt, Germany. The Exterritorial filming locations play a crucial role in creating the tension and spatial awareness needed for this fast-paced story. At NetFilming, we explore the key places where this movie was shot, offering insights into the real-world settings that bring the narrative to life. From Germany to Austria, here’s where Exterritorial was filmed.
What is Exterritorial About?
Exterritorial is a German-language action thriller on Netflix, released on April 30, 2025, that keeps viewers on edge with its intense plot. Directed by Christian Zübert, the film centers on Sara (Jeanne Goursaud), a former Special Forces soldier whose young son, Josh, vanishes during a visit to the US consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, for a work visa interview. When no one acknowledges seeing Josh and German authorities lack jurisdiction inside the consulate, Sara takes matters into her own hands, uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.
Facing resistance from consulate staff, including chief of security Erik Kynch (Dougray Scott), Sara’s desperate search blends high-stakes action with emotional depth, reminiscent of Taken. The 1-hour-49-minute film, rated TV-MA, uses its Frankfurt and Vienna settings to heighten tension, delivering a gripping story of a mother’s resolve against overwhelming odds.
Where was Exterritorial filmed?
Filming took place primarily in Germany and Austria, with principal photography running from September 18, 2023, to November 17, 2023. The four-month shoot required extensive location scouting to find spots that aligned with the narrative’s need for urban realism and confined tension. Here are the key details:
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt am Main, located in the state of Hesse, served as the primary filming location for Exterritorial. This bustling city, often called “Mainhattan” for its skyscraper-filled skyline, provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s urban setting. The production team used Frankfurt extensively for outdoor scenes, including establishing shots and wide views of the city’s modern architecture. These visuals help ground the story in a recognizable, high-stakes environment, emphasizing the consulate’s imposing presence.
Key landmarks, such as the Frankfurt Central Station (Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof), were featured to highlight the city’s aesthetic. Frankfurt’s role as a major financial and transportation hub added authenticity to the film’s setting, making it an ideal stand-in for the story’s US consulate. The city’s notable sites, like the German National Library, Goethe University, and the Alte Oper concert hall, reflect its cultural and intellectual significance, though they were not directly featured in the film. Frankfurt’s cinematic appeal is well-established, having previously hosted productions like the Netflix series Skyline.
Vienna, Austria
In addition to Germany, the Exterritorial filming locations extended to Vienna, Austria, where the crew captured several key scenes. Vienna, known as the cultural heart of Austria, offered a versatile backdrop for the film’s action sequences and interior shots. One prominent location was the former Alte Wirtschaftsuniversität building (Vienna University of Economics and Business) at Augasse 2/6, 1090 Vienna. This building’s exterior doubled as the terrace section of the US consulate, notably in scenes where Sara is seen climbing a structure.
The Alte Wirtschaftsuniversität, with its geometric design, provided a stark, urban contrast to the emotional weight of Sara’s journey. After the university relocated to a new campus in Prater Park in 2013, the older building became available for filming, offering a unique setting for Exterritorial. The production team also transformed the building’s interiors to represent the consulate’s inner workings, filming crucial scenes involving Sara’s interactions with staff and intense action sequences. An underground parking garage in Vienna was used for additional high-stakes moments, adding to the film’s claustrophobic tension.
Vienna’s rich history and architectural landmarks, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and the Vienna State Opera, were not directly featured but contribute to the city’s reputation as a filming hub. Known as the “City of Music” for its ties to composers like Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna has previously appeared in films like Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, which used the Vienna State Opera as a backdrop.
“Exterritorial” Behind The Scenes
The making of Exterritorial was a meticulous process that brought together a talented cast and crew to deliver a high-octane thriller. Filming from September 18, 2023, to November 17, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, the production demanded precise coordination to capture the film’s intense action and emotional depth. Director Christian Zübert emphasized the importance of real locations, stating, “We needed places that felt alive and imposing to match Sara’s journey. Frankfurt and Vienna gave us that raw energy.”
Producer Kerstin Schmidbauer highlighted the challenges of the four-month shoot, noting, “Scouting and filming in two countries was tough, but it ensured every scene felt authentic.” Actress Jeanne Goursaud, who plays Sara, praised the collaborative spirit, saying, “The crew’s dedication made those action sequences visceral. It was exhausting but rewarding.” The team’s focus on practical sets, like Vienna’s Alte Wirtschaftsuniversität, and minimal reliance on CGI created a grounded atmosphere, amplifying the film’s suspense and realism.
Exterritorial Official Trailer
Exterritorial is streaming on Netflix.
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