‘Unfamiliar’ Netflix Review 2026 thrills often fall into a familiar trap of hiding crucial information just to create shock which leaves viewers feeling manipulated rather than intrigued but this new German spy thriller on Netflix takes a more balanced approach revealing just enough in its opening episode to spark curiosity while holding back details in a way that feels deliberate rather than frustrating
From the very beginning, the series signals that it wants viewers to trust the process—and for the most part, that trust feels well placed.
Unfamiliar Netflix Review 2026 – Opening Shot
The first moments are striking and unsettling. A man walks along a river late at night, calmly eating a sandwich on a bench. Without warning, the mood shifts: he pulls out a gun and a knife, cuts a transponder out of his side, crushes it under his foot, and then shoots himself in the knee. It’s a chilling sequence that immediately establishes the show’s tense, mysterious tone.
The Gist
At the center of the story are Meret and Simon Schäfer (Susanne Wolff and Felix Kramer), who are celebrating their daughter Nina’s 16th birthday. Simon prepares a special meal at the family restaurant, which is located next to their home. What appears to be a quiet family celebration is abruptly interrupted when Simon receives a call from an unknown number.
A Dangerous Side Hustle
The caller claims he has been stabbed and shot and urgently needs a place to hide. This is not as random as it sounds—Meret and Simon are former agents of the German Foreign Intelligence Service (BND). In addition to running their restaurant, they secretly provide safe houses for people willing to pay for protection.
They agree to shelter the injured man, though neither fully believes his story. To decide who stays with the client and who returns to Nina’s birthday, the couple flips for evens and odds, highlighting how dangerous situations are still part of their routine.
Trouble at BND Headquarters
Meanwhile, at BND headquarters, active agent Julika (Seyneb Saleh) informs her superior Ben (Laurence Rupp) that a long-standing GRU target, Josef Koleev (Samuel Finzi), has been spotted in Berlin. His visit is suspicious, especially since his wife—recently appointed Russian ambassador to Germany—is not with him.
To assess the situation, Ben consults his retired predecessor, Gregor Klein (Henry Hübchen), a veteran spy with deep institutional knowledge.
Past Secrets Resurface
While questioning the client at the safe house, Meret hears something deeply unsettling: he refers to her and Simon as siblings. According to Simon, the only time they posed as brother and sister was during a covert operation in Belarus in 2008.
A Flashback That Changes Everything
The show flashes back to that operation, revealing a horrifying scene. Meret and Simon arrive at a safe house to find Gregor shot in the stomach and their pregnant asset Katya (Natalia Belitski) poisoned and near death. The man responsible for leaving them like that was Josef Koleev.
Back in the present, Meret notices the client using one of the safe house cameras to transfer her fingerprint—taken earlier from a drinking glass—to an unknown person on the dark web. When she presses him for answers, the confrontation turns violent, escalating into a literal fight to the death.
What Shows Does It Resemble?
Created by Paul Coates, Unfamiliar blends elements of several well-known series. Viewers may be reminded of The Americans, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and His & Hers, particularly in its mix of domestic life, espionage, and buried secrets.
Our Take
Unfamiliar succeeds because it carefully balances exposition and mystery. The first episode provides enough context to understand what Meret and Simon are facing, while layering in unanswered questions that feel intentional rather than confusing.
Late in the episode, several major revelations emerge. We learn that Meret and Simon saved Katya’s baby in 2008, with strong hints that the child may actually be Nina. There is also evidence that Koleev has a mole inside the BND. Most intriguingly, it becomes clear that Meret and Simon may not have been completely honest with each other over the past 16 years.
The story is so tightly constructed that it almost feels like an adaptation of a Harlan Coben novel—though it isn’t. That originality gives hope that future twists will feel earned and that the various plot threads will eventually connect in a satisfying way.
Performances That Stand Out
Susanne Wolff and Felix Kramer are particularly compelling as a long-married couple whose trust is beginning to fracture. Their chemistry makes the emotional stakes feel real.
Performance Worth Watching
Henry Hübchen shines as Gregor Klein, a grizzled, sharp-minded former spy who clearly knows more than he initially reveals. He seems poised to play a guiding role as Meret and Simon try to uncover who is targeting them.
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Final Verdict
Our Call: STREAM IT.
Unfamiliar is a rare thriller that draws viewers in with just enough information, keeps its mysteries intriguing, and avoids making the audience feel manipulated. It sets up a complex, emotionally charged story that promises meaningful twists ahead.
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