Hi everyone!
We’re back with another Fantastic Fest review from our good friend Andrew Campbell. Today’s Swedish science-fiction head-scratcher comes from the brilliant mind of John Ajvide Lindqvist, who wrote the novel and screenplay for “Let The Right One In” (Episode #024). You can check out my early review for that film, but check out the Swedish version, not the remake entitled “Let Me In”. You’ll thank me later.
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Take it away, Andrew!
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Hello film fans!
Andrew here, back this week with a unique film – a critical darling that just hit Hulu and that you probably haven’t heard of. A recurring theme with Fantastic Fest is including films from writers and directors who have previously produced a film or two that garnered a good deal of praise, but who have not quite broken through to make a mainstream film. But for a lot of film geeks like myself who still love a good superhero movie or a star-studded comedy, these creator-driven films are exactly what you would like to see them continue to work on. Last week I took on director Karyn Kusama’s “Destroyer” and was let down a bit after loving her previous film “The Invitation”. This week, I zeroed in on a writer penning his first new screenplay in a decade and even if you don’t recognize his name, I think you’ll know his previous film.
Today’s film is “Border”, written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, Isabella Eklöf and director Ali Abbasi. “Border” made its Texas premiere at the 2018 Fantastic Fest, having won Un Certain Regard at Cannes earlier in the year (an award equivalent to “best genre film”). Fresh off a new wave of buzz coming out of the Toronto International Film Festival just a couple weeks earlier, this one was high on the watchlist for many Fantastic Fest attendees. “Border” tells the story of Tina (Eva Melander), a customs officer who can literally smell the fear on anyone attempting to bring contraband through her airport terminal. Tina is homely to the degree that she looks almost pre-human. This created an uncanny valley effect that left me with an eerie feeling in the pit of my stomach from minute one. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and it absolutely deserved it. One day, Tina encounters a man named Vore (Eero Milonoff) that bears a striking resemblance to her and the story unfolds from there.
Writer Lindqvist penned the novel “Let the Right One In” in 2007 as well as the screenplay for the much loved 2008 Swedish film of the same name. He also rewrote his screenplay for the completely unnecessary 2010 American remake “Let Me In” starring Chloë Grace Moretz. ”Border” and “Let the Right One In” are two sides of the same coin. Both are tales set in reality that follow characters who learn there is much more to the mundane world around them. “Let the Right One In” explores the friendship between a young boy and his new vampire friend in an urban setting, typically under a snowy nighttime fog. “Border” also concerns a burgeoning relationship, this time between two people who seem to have very much in common. Aside from the airport scenes, the setting is mostly rural in “Border” and much of the film takes place in the warm light of day.
“Border” is full of quietly unsettling moments. We follow Tina as she begins to learn more about this man who has entered her life and the clear connection they must share. The introduction of Vore uproots her world and she goes on a journey of self-discovery that makes multiple, disturbing turns that are hard to stomach, but ultimately feel grounded in reality.
What makes “Border” fantastic?
No matter how many movies you’ve seen, there are at least a couple scenes in this film that, for better or worse, you won’t be able to forget. The film sustains an uneasy dread from the first minute until the final, disturbing coda. Unlike most films that lean broadly into the fantasy realm, “Border” toes that line so delicately that you begin to question your own prejudices. Are you judging this pair harshly based on their Neanderthal-like appearance or on their actions?
“Border” (2018) is a grim modern fairytale of self-discovery with fearless performances that challenge the audience. Fans of films that incorporate myths and reality such as “Let the Right One In” will love this one. If you can handle films with disturbing relationships like 2002’s “Secretary”, so much the better.
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 75
One Movie Punch: 8.8/10
“Border” is rated R and is available on Hulu.
Come back next week when I’ll be reviewing “Burning”, a slow-burn psychological drama out of South Korea. Okay, I’ll admit that does not sound like a thrilling way to spend a couple of hours and it definitely sounds out of place for Fantastic Fest. But this film has “The Walking Dead”’s Steven Yeun in his best role, as a slick, wealthy socialite. The film lit up the worldwide film fest circuit in 2018, so let’s see what all the heat is about.
