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System Crasher (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

System Crasher (2020) movie poster

System Crasher is a 2020 drama directed by Nora Fingscheidt, starring Helena Zengel as Bernadette 'Benni' Klaaß, Lisa Hagmeister and Gabriela Maria Schmeide. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes and earned $546,444 worldwide. Critics gave it 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Stream it on Netflix.

IMDb rating
7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
94%
worldwide gross
$546.4K
Echo Score
83
System Crasher (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m (125 min)
Director
Nora Fingscheidt
Genre
Drama
Original language
German
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is System Crasher About?

The premise of System Crasher without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Nine-year-old Benni's intense anger and boundless energy create chaos and heartbreak, pushing away those around her. Struggling to find connection and understanding, she navigates a complex situation where the support system meant to help her feels inadequate to manage her overwhelming needs. The film explores themes of family, belonging, and the challenges faced by vulnerable children within societal structures.

System Crasher Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • anger issues
  • trauma
  • emotional abuse
  • flashback
  • violence
  • urinating on the floor
  • loneliness
  • sleeping in the woods
  • problem child
  • runaway child
  • child protection
  • outburst
+38 more
  • hysterical outburst
  • written by director
  • title directed by female
  • asocial behavior
  • anti social behavior
  • child thief
  • taking a shower
  • outcast
  • social outcast
  • traumatized girl
  • mother daughter relationship
  • emotionally unstable protagonist
  • emotionally unstable girl
  • emotionally abusive behavior
  • hitchhiking
  • locked in a closet
  • mental illness
  • dog
  • talking to an animal
  • violent girl
  • forest
  • violent outburst
  • owl
  • wet pants
  • bad dream
  • child vandal
  • juvenile vandal
  • camping trip
  • self harm
  • sociopathy
  • fish tank
  • skating
  • asocial protagonist
  • emotionally unstable woman
  • bad mother
  • parenthood
  • taking a bath
  • irresponsible mother
Where to watch

Where to Watch System Crasher

Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

System Crasher Cast & Characters

Helena Zengel leads the cast as Bernadette 'Benni' Klaaß, with Lisa Hagmeister as Bianca Klaaß and Gabriela Maria Schmeide as Frau Bafané. Directed by Nora Fingscheidt; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in System Crasher

· 6 more
Ratings

System Crasher Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave System Crasher 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in story & flow (65).

83 /100

System Crasher Echo Score Breakdown

In general, System Crasher stands out for its intense performances and vivid direction while navigating a challenging narrative. Critics highlighted the innovative directorial debut and striking editing, and users praised the lasting emotional impact, though some noted occasional narrative idealism and uneven pacing. The film’s raw portrayal of its lead character and its visceral visual style dominate the conversation. Ultimately, despite some cohesion issues, the film’s powerful execution makes for a compelling and memorable experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from assured direction and a distinctive visual language. Reviewers commended Nora Fingscheidt’s confident debut, noting virtuoso camerawork and dynamic editing choices. The controlled yet vibrant colour palette underscores the protagonist’s turmoil. Overall, the film’s technical composition contributes significantly to its immersive intensity.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When it comes to character and emotion, System Crasher is anchored by a compelling central performance. Critics and viewers alike emphasized Helena Zengel’s magnetic presence, capturing both vulnerability and explosive fury. Chemistry with supporting cast members reinforces the protagonist’s isolation and longing. In sum, the film’s character work delivers a profoundly affecting emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 65

    In terms of story and flow, the film offers a raw exposé of the foster care system’s failures but occasionally struggles with structural cohesion. Some reviewers found its idealistic framing and narrative logic uneven, while others praised its unflinching engagement and pacing. On balance, the plot’s emotional stakes sustain interest despite minor coherence gaps.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers a potent blend of sound and visual style. Observers praised the evocative colour grading and impactful sound design that heighten moments of tension. The soundtrack’s measured restraint allows raw performance beats to resonate. Ultimately, the film’s cohesive sensory palette amplifies its visceral impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    When considering rewatch value, the film’s emotional weight and intense performances create a gripping initial experience but may challenge repeated viewing. Viewers noted its lasting impact and thought-provoking themes, yet the relentlessly high-stakes tone can limit comfort for subsequent sessions. Overall, it offers strong replay appeal for those seeking a powerful drama.

Plot

System Crasher Plot Summary

What happens in System Crasher from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The nine-year-old Bernadette, affectionately dubbed “Benni,” is a child marked by her aggressive behavior and a deep-seated sense of abandonment. Her struggles stem from a traumatic childhood experience that leaves her furious whenever her face is touched by anyone other than her mother. This deeply rooted issue prompts her peers to provoke her, leading to uncontrollable outbursts. Regrettably, her special school has repeatedly suspended her, unable to maintain order, and no foster family or group home seems capable of housing her for long periods. As a “system crasher,” Benni is at risk of slipping through the cracks of the German social support system designated for vulnerable children.

Full summary

The whole story of System Crasher, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

System Crasher Box Office

System Crasher grossed $546,444 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$546.4K

International
$546.4K
Videos

System Crasher Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 2 featurettes.

System Crasher TRAILER CFF 2019
  • Clip
  • Featurette Mark Kermode reviews System Crasher (2019) | BFI Player
  • Featurette BFI At Home | Woman With a Movie Camera: System Crasher Q&A with director Nora Fingscheidt
Quiz

How Well Do You Know System Crasher?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the main issue affecting nine-year-old Benni?

Cars

Cars in System Crasher

3 cars on screen, including the 1989 Volkswagen Passat Variant B3 Typ 35i and the 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168.

  • 1989 Volkswagen Passat Variant B3 Typ 35i in System Crasher 1989 Volkswagen Passat Variant B3 Typ 35i Important role
  • 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168 in System Crasher 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168 Minor role
  • 2012 Volkswagen up! Typ AA in System Crasher 2012 Volkswagen up! Typ AA Minor role
Details

System Crasher Also Known As

24 alternative titles, including “Pad sistema” and “Крушители системы”.

Also known as
  • Pad sistema
  • Крушители системы
  • Systemsprengeren
  • Systeeminmurskaaja
  • System vrasher
  • Разрушительница системы
  • Benni
  • Извън системата
  • 도주하는 아이
  • Руйнівниця системи
  • Narušitel systému
  • Oyunbozan
+12 more
  • Transtorno Explosivo
  • Narušiteľ systému
  • Copilul-problemă
  • מחוץ למערכת
  • 系统破坏者
  • Kontroll nélkül
  • 蘿莉破壞王
  • Błąd systemu, სისტემის დამანგრეველი
  • Sistēmas grāvēja
  • Σφάλμα Συστήματος
  • Systembryder
  • Razbijalka sistema

Seen System Crasher?

FAQ

System Crasher FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of System Crasher, each answered in a sentence.

How long is System Crasher?

System Crasher runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).

When was System Crasher released?

System Crasher was released on February 21, 2020.

Who directed System Crasher?

System Crasher was directed by Nora Fingscheidt.

More films by Nora Fingscheidt

Who is in the cast of System Crasher?

System Crasher stars Helena Zengel as Bernadette 'Benni' Klaaß, Lisa Hagmeister as Bianca Klaaß and Gabriela Maria Schmeide as Frau Bafané, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch System Crasher?

In the US, System Crasher is streaming on Netflix (availability from JustWatch).

How much did System Crasher make at the box office?

System Crasher grossed $546,444 worldwide.

How is System Crasher rated?

System Crasher has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 89 on Metacritic and 77% on TMDB.

Does System Crasher have a post-credit scene?

No. System Crasher has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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