A custom officer with a unique sense of smell, falls for a stranger who appears to be similar to her. At the same time, she helps with a troubling investigation...
Border (or Grans) is based on a short story by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the writer of the extraordinary Let The Right One In. He's an author whose books I really enjoy, finding them creepy, unsettling novels. I also found the film version of Let The Right One In, to be one of the best films of the century so far.
I've not read the story Border is based on, but Lindqvist is one of the film's writers, along with Isabella Eklof and Ali Abbasi, with Abbasi also directing. Going into the film, I knew next to nothing. In truth, Lindqvist's name was the big draw here, but it was also described as a folk-tale of sorts, something that I know also piques my interest.
And going in knowing little about it is the best way to view the film. The story, like a number of Lindqvist stories has elements that are disturbing at times. I wouldn't call it a horror film, but it certainly veers close to the genre. But it's also is a love story between two people who are different, one that is handled with sensitivity.
The two strands of the story, the love story and the investigation collide in ways that you can perhaps see coming before it gets there. However, even allowing for that,the collision never feels forced. There is also a development in the story, which will surprise I think but again, one that feels totally natural in the way it plays in the film. As I said, I've not read the short story, but as a film, the co-writers have written a superb film.
Ali Abbasi also directs the film with great sensitivity too. The investigation aspect, could have been a lot more disturbing to watch, but he handles it with great care, never showing the abuse rather focusing on the officers and those they have arrested. The love story is also well handled, taking time to develop.
The key to the loves story working lies with the two leads. Eva Melander plays the lead Tina and is superb, giving a performance, showing the pain and love the character has, despite some truly impressive make-up she has to wear. She's matched by Eero Milonoff who plays Vore, the stranger who comes into her life. He too, despite the make up is terrific. The supporting cast too are pretty good indeed.
It's a beautifully shot film, the use of folk-lore that is incorporated into the story done well, the reveals never feel forced, instead feel naturally developed. It's a film that takes its time, one that at it's end will leave you touched and full of different emotions.
Lindqvist as a writer never feels the need to play it safe in his novels. Borders takes the same approach and is a film that is simply superb as a result.
It might not for everyone and you may have to check out where it is screening, but if you can, do go and see it.
Rating: 4/5
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