A strange-looking woman meets a strange-looking man, and they feel they have something in common. Feel is the wrong word because they are two ugly so-called humans.
Border is directed by Ali Abbasi, the director behind movies such as Holy Spider (2022) and The Apprentice (2024). He is an interesting director, and I did not expect him to create such a Scandinavian movie, considering he comes from Iran. And yes, I know his backstory, so shut the fish up!
When I sat down to watch Border, I knew nothing about it, and I recommend that you do the same. If you watch it without knowing anything, the movie will take you to unexpected places. It’s really challenging not to spoil anything while reviewing this movie, but I will do my best.
The protagonist works as a customs officer, and one day, a man who resembles her shows up, sparking their interest in each other. They are two ugly bastards! The protagonist inhabits a sort of superpower with her strong sense of smell, allowing her to feel people’s emotions simply by inhaling and taking a good sniff. She is the country’s best sniffer, but she’s not my cup of tea. I prefer hotties from South Korea and cuties from Japan.
She lives with a man who cares more about his dogs than her, which makes her feel lonely and sad. I don’t blame him though—she’s not exactly a pinup model, and you have to be pretty kinky to get turned on while looking at her. She should move to Japan!
Her father is sick, and it becomes evident that she is happier when she meets the man who resembles her, believing they share a genetic disorder.
The acting in the movie is excellent, and it features a mind-bending sex scene that will stay with me forever. It’s not every day that we witness a sex scene like the one in Border. It is disgusting! I loved it! Or maybe not. I need to puke. But Japanese men will love it!
This is a dark movie with a somber atmosphere and a dose of mystery surrounding the man the protagonist meets. It explores the themes of being an outcast. However, trust me when I say that the movie undergoes a complete transformation, and it’s pretty bizarre watching a Scandinavian production directed by an Iranian since it feels so Scandinavian at heart. It’s an unusual combination, but he has also created perhaps the best and most intriguing movie in this genre. I won’t say anything more about the movie, as I am satisfied that I haven’t spoiled anything in this review. Good job, man! I am giving myself a high five!