Border (2018) is a Swedish fantasy-thriller film directed by Ali Abbasi, based on a story by Let the Right One In author John Ajvide Lindqvist. The movie stands out for its unique premise, unconventional characters, and deeply unsettling exploration of identity, morality, and otherness. Set within a realistic, rural Scandinavian backdrop, the film uses elements of fantasy to address complex questions about human nature, social isolation, and inner darkness.

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Plot Summary

The film follows Tina, a customs officer with an unusually keen sense of smell, which she uses to catch people smuggling illicit goods. Her outward appearance is unusual, with heavy brows and a rough face, which makes her appear distinctly different from others around her. Her life is relatively simple: she lives in a secluded house in the forest, shares a somewhat passionless relationship with a man named Roland, and seems content enough—until she meets Vore, a man with similar physical features and abilities. Tina finds herself drawn to Vore, who explains that they are both part of a non-human species, and this revelation opens her up to an exploration of who she truly is.

Themes and Symbolism

At its core, Border examines themes of identity and self-acceptance. Tina’s journey to understanding her origins forces her to confront the ways society perceives her and her own internalized self-loathing. Through her connection with Vore, she learns to question norms and begins a painful but liberating path to self-discovery. The film’s title, Border, becomes a metaphor for many dualities: human versus other, good versus evil, and the lines we draw around belonging and morality.

The movie subtly plays with Nordic folklore, especially the concept of trolls. However, rather than falling into typical fairytale tropes, Abbasi gives trolls a more nuanced depiction, almost as a marginalized race. This approach allows Border to touch on social issues like xenophobia and how society treats individuals who look or act outside of the norm. Abbasi uses these mythical elements to emphasize both the beauty and horror of difference, presenting Tina and Vore as beings both feared and misunderstood.

Style and Cinematography

Cinematographer Nadim Carlsen gives Border a raw, atmospheric feel. The film’s aesthetics oscillate between a gritty realism and an eerie, dreamlike quality, complementing its fusion of the mundane and the supernatural. The Swedish countryside serves as a moody backdrop, reinforcing Tina’s isolation and her connection to nature. Abbasi uses long, quiet shots to let the emotions simmer under the surface, making the unsettling moments more potent.

One of the film’s strengths is its commitment to naturalism, especially in depicting Tina’s daily life. The makeup and prosthetics that transform Eva Melander (Tina) and Eero Milonoff (Vore) are both unflinching and strangely compelling, allowing them to inhabit their roles convincingly. Abbasi’s choice to limit CGI in favor of practical effects enhances the tactile realism of their appearances, making their otherness feel disturbingly authentic.

Performances

Eva Melander delivers a remarkable performance as Tina, fully embodying her physical and emotional complexities. Through her expressive eyes and body language, Melander conveys a profound sense of vulnerability and resilience. Eero Milonoff’s Vore, by contrast, is more unpredictable and menacing, yet he brings an oddly sympathetic quality to his role. Together, they create a dynamic that is both fascinating and repulsive, capturing the viewers’ attention and challenging their empathy.

Narrative and Pacing

The film unfolds at a deliberately slow pace, which may not appeal to every viewer. Its methodical storytelling, however, allows for a deeper psychological exploration of Tina’s transformation. While there are occasional dips in momentum, the payoff is worth the wait. The blend of genres—part fantasy, part thriller, part romantic drama—may feel unusual, but Abbasi manages to balance these elements with enough tension to keep viewers engaged.

Controversial and Disturbing Elements

Border is not afraid to confront taboos. Certain scenes, especially those involving Tina’s sexual awakening, can be unsettling and polarizing for audiences. Abbasi’s unflinching approach may be hard to watch, but it is vital to the character’s arc and serves to underscore her journey from repression to self-acceptance.

Moreover, the film touches on themes of crime and revenge in a way that raises ethical questions. The ambiguity around Vore’s motivations and actions complicates any clear moral stance, challenging viewers to question their own values and biases. The film does not provide easy answers, instead leaving room for individual interpretation.

Final Thoughts

Border is a striking and unconventional film that uses the language of fantasy to explore real-world issues. Its unique narrative and deeply sympathetic yet disturbing characters make it an unforgettable cinematic experience. However, it is not a film for everyone—its slow pace, dark themes, and morally ambiguous characters demand a level of patience and introspection.

For those willing to embrace its oddities, Border offers a powerful meditation on self-acceptance, love, and the blurred lines between the monstrous and the humane. It is a film that challenges the viewer’s assumptions about identity, forcing them to reconsider what it means to be “normal.”