The Last Execution (2021): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2021, The Last Execution is a thriller and drama film directed by Franziska Stünkel, running about 115 minutes. “Based on the true story of the secret death penalty in East Germany” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The ambitious scientist Franz Walter doesn't hesitate when he is promised a professorship at the university. He immediately accepts, pledges absolute loyalty to the system and agrees to work for the GDR's foreign intelligence service until he can take up his new position. Together with his colleague Dirk, he is sent on foreign assignments to West Germany. Franz soon has to use blackmail to get innocent people to talk. But his superiors go even further: GDR refugees and their relatives are targeted to be psychologically destroyed, forged letters, medical diagnoses, surveillance and wiretapping are on the agenda. However, this is more than Franz can bear: he feels powerless and increasingly isolates himself. When he then decides to steal secret documents for a later defection to the West, this results in an unfortunate chain reaction leading to his arrest and ultimately to his execution...

Who’s in it. The Last Execution stars Lars Eidinger as Dr. Franz Walter, Devid Striesow as Dirk Hartmann, Luise Heyer as Corina Walter and Paula Kalenberg as Klara, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, The Last Execution has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Last Execution page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Last Execution tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.