Border: A Surprising Treat

Unpredictable and subversive, Border (Gräns) promises to be one of the most singular cinematic offerings of 2018. Filled with delightful twists and turns, this beautifully complex fantasy gem will floor you with its peculiarity and move you with its humanity.

Customs officer Tina (Eva Melander) is known for her extraordinary sense of smell, which allows her to sniff out the guilt on anyone hiding something. But when Vore (Eero Milonoff), a suspicious-looking man, walks past her, her abilities are challenged for the first time ever. Tina can sense Vore is hiding something she can't identify. Even worse, she feels a strange attraction to him. As she develops a special bond with him and discovers his true identity, she also realizes the truth about herself..

To call Border just plain ole odd is an understatement that doesn’t do this very unique and surprising film justice. Yes, it is filled with oddity the likes of which many viewers have never seen before, but don’t let that scare you away from one of the year’s most astonishing cinematic gifts.

Filled with commentary on identity and gender, this bizarre, otherworldly drama has an effective tenderness and humanity that burns brightly amidst its stranger aspects. Though steeped in Scandinavian folklore, there’s a lot that viewers can relate to with Border. This is all thanks to the relationship and chemistry between Border’s two leads; both Eva Melander and Eero Milonoff give their strange characters such believable empathy that the film manages to work far better than it really should.

Knowing that Border comes from same mind as 2008’s Let the Right One In (AKA Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist), may clue some viewers in on what to expect; however, no one can truly predict or brace themselves for the treats that Border bestows. It really only flounders with a sub-plot that is a little too shock-for-shock’s-sake, which I imagine was added to extend the short story to feature length; however, it still manages to hit the sweet spot on a wide array of emotions.

To say anything more would interfere with the twists and revelations that are best experienced when you know next to nothing. It’s not everyday that you get something so out of the ordinary, so just let this one blindside you.

Recommended: If you’re a genre fanatic or want a cinematic experience you can’t get anywhere else, yes, this film is a must watch. If your interest isn’t piqued by the trailer, wait to view on streaming.

Rating: 3.5 security checks outta 5.

What do you think? Were taken by surprise by this one? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well!