The Man with the Suitcase (1983): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1983, The Man with the Suitcase is a comedy and tv movie film directed by Chantal Akerman, running about 61 minutes.

What it’s about. A sensitivity to sounds coming from the activities of an unwelcome guest in the close quarters of an apartment is only one important component in this atmospheric, avant-garde drollery by Chantal Akerman. When the apartment owner comes home, her guest is settled in and at first, the slightly reclusive host decides simply to eat her breakfast in her room instead of having to face morning conversation with her guest. Sounds of the toilet flushing, the bath water running and splashing, footsteps pacing, and furniture moving invade the hostess' refuge in her bedroom like the frontrunners of an all-out offensive. She locks herself up for 28 days, life's detritus accumulating around her, just so she does not have to go out to face the nemesis that lurks beyond her door.

Who’s in it. The Man with the Suitcase stars Chantal Akerman, Jeffrey Kime, Jean-Claude Brisson and Jérôme Lévy.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, The Man with the Suitcase has proved divisive with audiences.

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

If you liked it. Fans of The Man with the Suitcase tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.