System Crasher (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
System Crasher is a 2019 drama directed by Nora Fingscheidt, starring Helena Zengel as Benni, Lisa Hagmeister and Roland Bonjour. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $546,444 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 85/100. Stream it on Netflix.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 58m (118 min)
- Director
- Nora Fingscheidt
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
German
- Studio
- Kineo Filmproduktion
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 is repeatedly expelled from schools and care facilities, leading child protection services to label her a "system crasher." Defiant and determined, she desperately wants to return to her mother. Micha, an anger management trainer, is brought in to help, and his involvement offers a glimmer of hope for a possible solution to her challenging situation.
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 Show fewer
- 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 System Crasher
Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 2
System Crasher Cast & Characters
Helena Zengel leads the cast as Benni, with Lisa Hagmeister as Mutter and Roland Bonjour as Jens. Directed by Nora Fingscheidt; 38 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Nora Fingscheidt
-
Helena Zengel as Benni -
Lisa Hagmeister as Mutter - Roland Bonjour as Jens
-
Gabriela Maria Schmeide as Frau Bafané
Also Starring in System Crasher
· 34 more- Imke Büchel Frau Herzog
- Albrecht Schuch Michael Heller
- Maryam Zaree Elli Heller
- Victoria Trauttmansdorff Silvia
- Matthias Brenner Erzieher Wolfgang
- Tedros Teclebrhan Erzieher Robert
- Peter Schneider Erzieher Fabio
- Steffi Kühnert Nette Autofahrerin
- Barbara Philipp Heimleiterin Redekamp
- Gisa Flake Lehrerin
- Axel Werner Bauer Bockelmann
- Bärbel Schwarz Imbissverkäuferin
- Till Butterbach Krankenpfleger Peter
- Asad Schwarz Erzieher Marc
- Melanie Straub Dr. Schönemann
- Julia Becker Junge Krankenschwester
Show all 38 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Jana Julia Roth Erzieherin Saskia
- Stella Brückner Janina
- Noah Lakmes Junge mit Steuerung
- Amelle Schwerk Erzieherin Mona
- Louis von Klipstein Praktikant
- Fine Belger Erzieherin Kati
- Samantha Hanses Air Safety Assistant
- Hanife Sylejmani Verkäuferin
- Bruno Thiel Leo Klaaß
- Ida Goetzev Alicia Klaaß
- Gennaro Trama Junge mit Cap
- Cederic Mardon Justin
- Jannes Kupsch Marco
- Moritz Thiel Moritz
- Mathilda Florczyk Mitschülerin Natascha
- Marie von der Groeben Mitschülerin Anna
- Helena Gutscha Mitschülerin Jesse
- Sashiko Hara Vendeuse
System Crasher Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (94) and weakest in story & flow (72).
System Crasher Echo Score Breakdown
The film’s greatest asset is its unflinching portrayal of a troubled youth, anchored by a striking central performance that drives the emotional core. Visually, the editing and colour palette create a visceral atmosphere that reinforces the narrative’s urgency. Narrative cohesion occasionally falters, with moments of tonal muddiness that dilute the impact. Nonetheless, the combination of raw intensity and thematic daring offers a memorable experience that rewards repeated viewings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 82
In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film demonstrates a confident use of colour and editing that heightens its unsettling tone. Cinematography captures stark interiors, reinforcing the protagonist’s isolation, while production design remains restrained yet effective. Minor inconsistencies in tonal balance are evident, but overall the artistic execution supports the story’s intensity.
- Character & Emotion 94
When it comes to character work, the central performance delivers a nuanced and emotionally resonant study of a disturbed child. Supporting roles provide sufficient context, allowing the protagonist’s anguish to feel genuine. The chemistry between actors is largely convincing, contributing to the film’s heartbreaking impact. Overall, the character portrayal stands out as the film’s strongest element.
- Story & Flow 72
Regarding story and pacing, the narrative adopts a raw, punk‑inflected structure that mirrors the protagonist’s chaotic inner world. Originality is evident in its refusal to follow conventional redemption arcs, offering a stark look at systemic failure. However, moments of frantic plotting and tonal shifts occasionally disrupt coherence, resulting in uneven flow. The overall plot remains compelling despite these flaws.
- Sensory Experience 84
In terms of sensory experience, the film employs a gritty sound design and a restrained score that underscore its bleak atmosphere. Visual style relies on a muted palette and stark framing, enhancing the sense of alienation. While the auditory elements are effective, the soundtrack remains modest, never rising to prominence. Collectively, the sensory components reinforce the film’s somber tone without overwhelming the narrative.
- Rewatch Factor 78
The film’s raw intensity and unsettling visual palette give it a lingering impact that invites multiple viewings. Although tonal inconsistencies occasionally surface, the powerful central performance and thematic daring maintain interest on repeat watches. Sensory choices, while subdued, reinforce the bleak mood without fatigue. Overall, the work rewards reengagement through its stark honesty and compelling character focus.
System Crasher Plot Summary
What happens in System Crasher from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Benni is a nine-year-old whose outward aggression and restlessness mask a painful past. A childhood trauma—reported by the social worker as nappies pressed into her face—has left her prone to sudden, explosive outbursts whenever someone touches her face. This triggers a cycle where other children tease her, and her anger flares in school and beyond. Repeated suspensions from a special education setting reveal a child who doesn’t fit neatly into the usual care system. Called a “system crasher,” she seems at risk of slipping through the cracks of Germany’s protective networks, despite a sincere wish to be with her mother again.
Full summary
The whole story of System Crasher, scene by scene
System Crasher Box Office
System Crasher grossed $546,444 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$546.4K
- International
- $546.4K
System Crasher Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 featurettes.
- 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
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the nine-year-old protagonist at the center of the film?
Seen System Crasher?
Movies Like System Crasher
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including System Crasher, Crash and Scrapper.
System Crasher FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, post-credit scenes and language of System Crasher, each answered in a sentence.
How long is System Crasher?
System Crasher runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).
When was System Crasher released?
System Crasher was released on February 8, 2019.
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 Benni, Lisa Hagmeister as Mutter and Roland Bonjour as Jens, among 38 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.
Does System Crasher have a post-credit scene?
No. System Crasher has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is System Crasher in?
The original language of System Crasher is German.
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