Drifter

Drifter

Year: 2017

Runtime: 86 min

Language: German

Director: Chris von Hoffmann

ThrillerHorrorCrime

Following a painful breakup, 22-year-old Moritz finds himself lost and adrift in Berlin's vibrant techno scene. He descends into a cycle of self-destructive behavior as he grapples with repressed desires and searches for his identity amidst the city's dark underbelly. The experience challenges him to confront difficult truths about himself and the world around him.

Drifter (2017) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Drifter (2017) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the neon‑lit underbelly of Berlin, the city pulses with a relentless techno rhythm that becomes both soundtrack and confessional for a restless young man. Moritz, freshly bruised by a painful breakup, drifts through nightclubs, streets, and empty apartments, trying to make sense of a world that feels both exhilaratingly alive and achingly hollow. The film paints the capital as a sprawling, electric maze where every bass drop mirrors an inner heartbeat, and each fleeting connection hints at a deeper yearning for something more solid than the fleeting lights of the dance floor.

Against this backdrop, Moritz wrestles with unspoken desires that surface in the most vulnerable moments—when the music thins, when the crowds thin out, when the city’s raw edges are laid bare. The tone is a hypnotic blend of gritty realism and lyrical melancholy, inviting the viewer to feel the weight of a generation searching for authenticity amid a culture of excess. The narrative stays close to his perspective, letting the audience inhabit his confusion, his self‑destructive impulses, and his tentative steps toward self‑discovery, all while the city’s relentless energy offers both a refuge and a mirror.

As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into a portrait of a young adult at a crossroads, where the search for identity intertwines with the lure of the night’s electric promise. The film’s atmosphere is charged with tension and promise, suggesting that within the dark undercurrents of Berlin’s techno scene lie the clues Moritz needs to confront the truths he has long avoided. The journey promises to be as much about the music that fuels him as the quiet moments where he must face himself.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:53

Unlock the Full Story of Drifter

Don't stop at just watching — explore Drifter in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Drifter is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Drifter Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Drifter, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Drifter Summary

Drifter Timeline

Track the full timeline of Drifter with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Drifter Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Drifter

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Drifter. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Drifter

More About Drifter

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Drifter: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Drifter

Similar Movies to Drifter

Discover movies like Drifter that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.