Few films in recent years have sparked as much debate as Club Zero, the unsettling psychological thriller from Austrian director Jessica Hausner. Starring Mia Wasikowska, this slow-burning film blurs the line between discipline and fanaticism, leading viewers into a world where a seemingly innocent idea spirals into something far more disturbing.
What Is Club Zero About?
Set in an elite boarding school, Club Zero follows Miss Novak (Wasikowska), a charismatic yet enigmatic teacher who introduces her students to an alternative dietary philosophy. What starts as a lesson in mindful eating soon transforms into an extreme belief system, drawing the students into a dangerous cult-like mentality. As the stakes rise, the film forces the audience to question how far one can push the boundaries of self-control before crossing into something far more sinister.
Filmed in Austria and Germany, Club Zero carries Hausner’s signature detached aesthetic, using stark compositions and sterile color palettes. Every scene is carefully framed to emphasize isolation, discipline, and the quiet horror of indoctrination. This visual style has drawn comparisons to the works of Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Dogtooth) and Ruben Östlund (Triangle of Sadness).
Since its premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Club Zero has steadily rolled out in various countries. Film is available for streaming and rental on Amazon Video and Apple TV. As of now, there is no official Netflix release date for the film. Viewers are advised to check Netflix’s official listings for updates.
Beyond its eerie atmosphere and gripping performances, Club Zero taps into modern anxieties about wellness culture, group psychology, and the fine line between self-improvement and obsession. Wasikowska’s chilling performance as Miss Novak is both mesmerizing and unsettling, making the film a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking psychological thrillers.
