This film is weird. There’s no other way of saying this, but if you’re going to go see it, you need to come prepared, mentally and psychologically, for what you’re about to witness.
With Border, you gotta think outside of the box. Actually, the box doesn’t exist. Forget what you think you know when going to see this movie.
The plot’s precis is about an unfortunately formed border patrol guard who has a knack for sniffing out dodgy travellers. I watched the trailer, and it seemed harmless – I was envisioning a feel-good semi-comedy about how a very ugly border guard can get back at the world by catching bad guys smuggling alcohol and drugs across borders.
Nope.
Border dispels all preconceptions and is GUARANTEED to leave you shook. It holds all the sumptuous undertones of proper Nordic noir – it still explores the kind of human evil that leaves a nasty taste in your mouth, but in a completely previously unimagined way.
It has a number of beautiful Scandi nature scenes, really conscious framing and devoted shots. The film sets up the humongous twist very well so it’s easy to suspend disbelief, but don’t come to this movie thinking it’ll be easy to sit back and watch. I can promise you will squirm in your seat, at least once.
To say any more would spoil the incredibly well-constructed plot, so if you’re the kind of person who loves feeling smashed in the face by plot-twists in cinema, this film is definitely for you! Just don’t go and watch this with your Mum (I did, so trust me).
Kena
Border
Scandinavian Film Festival