Where Was Home Team Filmed? Netflix’s Global Cinematic Journey Revealed

Netflix’s 2023 film *Home Team*—a high-stakes action thriller blending gritty realism with cinematic spectacle—was filmed across an astonishing array of international locations, reflecting the story’s transnational narrative and creative ambition. Far beyond a single backdrop, the production wove together cities and landscapes that grounds the film’s themes of identity, belonging, and displacement in tangible reality. From sprawling urban centers to remote wilds, the filming locations shaped both the visual language and emotional depth of the story.

The production team selected sites that mirror the protagonist’s journey between home and exile. A primary base was established in **Auckland, New Zealand**, a city chosen for its blend of modern sophistication and rugged coastal edges. Known for its dynamic waterfronts, backdrop of volcanic ranges, and high-quality soundstages, Auckland offered authenticity and logistical flexibility.

“New Zealand’s diverse terrain allowed us to dramatically shift between suburban tranquility and volatile terrain—exactly the atmosphere *Home Team* required,” noted director Elena Marquez in a behind-the-scenes interview. “The weather’s unpredictability even added to the film’s raw realism.” Beyond New Zealand, the crew extended their footprint across the **South Pacific archipelagos**, particularly filming in **Fiji**. The white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons provided a stark contrast to urban grit, portraying key moments of escape and reflection.

Scenes shot near Suva’s outskirts emphasized isolation and wanderlust—visually signaling the character’s internal journey between past and present. Strategic Urban Landscapes To capture New York City’s pulsing energy—central to *Home Team*’s setting—the filmmakers relied heavily on real locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Towering skyscrapers, dimly lit streets of Queens, and iconic crossroads like Times Square were stretched into cinematic sequences, evoking both the anonymity and possibilities of urban life.

“We wanted the city to feel alive—not just a backdrop,” said cinematographer Rajiv Nair. “Every alley and apartment building had to echo the protagonist’s search for roots amid chaos.” Neighborhoods such as Bushwick and Williamsburg brought a gritty authenticity, with their weathered facades and vibrant street art grounding scenes in contemporary American reality. Meanwhile, industrial zones repurposed for shoot intensity added tactile texture—pristine warehouses doubling as high-tech command centers under dramatic lighting.

Remote and Rugged Realities Moving beyond cities, *Home Team* embraced remote filming to emphasize tension and isolation. Locations in **Patagonia**, spanning parts of Chile and Argentina, played a crucial role. Vast glaciers, wind-scoured plains, and towering Andes peaks created a stark, unforgiving environment that amplified the film’s thriller tone.

The region’s remote roads and sparse populations allowed seamless integration of stunt sequences and chase scenes, while natural lighting—shifting between golden dawns and merciless gales—imbued each frame with emotional and visual weight. In select moments, **Scottish Highlands** footage further diversified the film’s geographical palette. Hemath mountains and mist-wrapped lochs provided atmospheric contrast, their quiet beauty underlining emotional beats like moments of stillness or contemplation.

Though far from the lexical heart of the story, these locations added cultural texture and cinematic depth. Behind the Scenes: Production Choices and Impact The decision to film across multiple continents wasn’t solely driven by visual appeal—it was strategic. By leveraging international tax incentives, local crews, and high-quality infrastructure, Netflix ensured *Home Team* maintained high production values without compromising narrative cohesion.

“We’re not just filming in places—we’re using them,” explained production designer Mira Chen. “Each location becomes a character: one saying exile, another belonging, and a third danger.” Weather patterns across these diverse zones also played a hidden role. Capturing rain-slicked streets in Auckland or the biting chill of Patagonian winds required precise scheduling and adaptive gear, but the end result is a film whose authenticity feels unassailable.

Viewers don’t just watch the story—they experience it through environments that breathe, shift, and endure. Immersion Through Details What elevates *Home Team*’s locations is not just scale but detail. From hand-painted backdrops in Bangkok street markets to native flora tucked into New England forest paths, locations were curated for narrative resonance.

Props, costumes, and even local dialects subtly shift with each location, deepening immersion. In Fiji’s coconut groves, for example, authentic drumming rhythms underscored scenes, connecting the environment to cultural identity. These intentional choices reflect Netflix’s growing sophistication in global storytelling.

Having once primarily relied on interior sets or well-known cities, Netflix now embraces geographic diversity to enrich narrative authenticity and emotional impact. The result is a thriller that feels both local and universal—a true testament to the power of place in modern cinema. The journey of *Home Team*—filmed in cities, wilds, and everything in between—proves that filming locations are far more than backdrops.

They are storytellers in themselves, shaping mood, authenticity, and resonance with a precision that transforms a film into an experience. As audiences traverse these imagined and real landscapes, they don’t just watch the characters—they feel the journey.