Border Line

Diego and Elena leave Barcelona for New York. A new life project filled with positive aspirations. But a 'simple' customs check is about to turn everything upside down.

"Border Line" establishes itself as an intense and remarkably controlled cinematic experience within its concise 1h15 runtime. Far from getting lost in unnecessary detours, the film focuses its energy on an oppressive "huis clos", maintaining palpable tension from beginning to end.

The direction judiciously chooses to linger on faces, a true narrative tool allowing it to capture the slightest nuance in the actors' performances and connect us directly to the emotions running through the characters: fear, hope, exhaustion, defiance. We feel their inner experience up close, making the experience immersive and profoundly human.

Beyond the personal drama unfolding, "Border Line" highlights with great accuracy the absurdity of certain immigration procedures. Without falling into heavy-handed demonstration, the film exposes the workings of a system where bureaucratic logic sometimes seems to override humanity, confronting individuals with excessive requirements disconnected from their reality.

The heart of the story, the interrogation, is particularly successful in its ability to create a tangible unease in the viewer. Its interminable nature, its intrusiveness, and the complete lack of propriety in the questions asked place us in an uncomfortable position, making us share the vulnerability and psychological exhaustion of the characters subjected to this veritable verbal knockout.

"Border Line" is a concise and impactful work that stands out for its direct approach. Its strength lies in its ability to combine narrative intensity, psychological finesse thanks to a camera close to the characters, and a subtle yet sharp social critique. A necessary film that challenges the viewer and stays in memory long after the end credits roll.

A Spanish duo dreaming of a new life in the United States have reached an important milestone - after a long journey, they have finally landed in New York. It would seem that there is very little left to do: wait for the next flight to Miami, where a bright future awaits them. But fate presents an unpleasant surprise - the couple is sent for additional inspection. Despite the impeccable documents, immigration officers remain silent about the reasons for the detention. And now it becomes clear - because of this delay, they will definitely miss their flight to the city where they planned to start a new chapter in their lives. The opening scenes of the film created an intriguing atmosphere, awakening genuine interest. However, everything came down to tedious dialogues and unpleasant, unethical questions from immigration officers, which seemed to have little to do with the document verification procedure. When it became obvious that the entire plot was built solely on the depiction of an exhausting, degrading interrogation, disappointment overwhelmed. After watching the film, I got the impression that it was just a low-budget thriller with a primitive, as if hastily sketched script. I really regret that I succumbed to the provocative title and wasted time watching such a mediocre work.

This one felt like: "Ok, what kind of movie can we film to engage as many viewers as possible? Who's the target audience? Most likely those are people who can afford to travel overseas, which means they've all been through security and customs control so let's make a story out of it because people will want to see it!" So yes, I wanted to see it, I bought the ticket, came to the theatre and watched it in its entirety - mission complete. Is that enough?

I am meaning to say the movie is well built-up and really interesting to watch, with a lot of suspense, but please help me! I missed the point, what's the message?

A Spanish speaking couple is entering the US with their visas in hope for a new life, the border police decide to question them both together and separately, which becomes a painful and unnerving experience for both of them. I liked the way the interrogation was built up and acted out, I even liked the ending but did I like the film?

You build your life. You start a relationship, plan your future together. You planned a move. Got everything ready. Only the smallest thing left-the flight and settling in. What could possibly go wrong?

You'd think, what could a film only an hour long be about? Nowadays, this might be considered a short film, but in reality, it's a full-fledged movie where the tension rises with every minute.

The film is interesting because, roughly speaking, there are only a couple of locations and 5-6 main actors. Yet, the film doesn't sag in pace or lower the intensity.

The actors handled their roles 100%. You can tell what kind of person/character each one is. How and why they are suffering. Everything is literally readable in their eyes. Even without any overt emotions, and that's the main thing-after all, it's believed that an actor is truly outstanding if they can act with their eyes.

Speaking of the main characters, from this couple, I was more moved by and liked Bruna Cozzi, who plays Elena. But it's not just the main characters holding everything up, even though they do an excellent job. The most memorable are Agents Barrett and Vasquez. These people create the main tension in the picture. And if it weren't for them, the film wouldn't have sunk in so deeply or been so memorable.

No pun intended - this hits a lot harder nowadays then it might have when it came out ... and that was only 3 years ago. You can make the case for and against the characters. You can ask yourself why there is this treatment (you should ask this actually) ... and you would find yourself very close to what is happening right now. And way worse if you really think about it.

Maybe best not to think too much about it. Overall and while I would not compare myself to any of the two main characters, the struggle is real - and while you may have a different background and may have acted a bit differently in some of the ... let's call them incidents or talks ... there still is so much to get angry and worried about.

Again, if you condone what is happening - and are quick to blame actual human beings ... I am not sure what to tell you. Empathy allegedly is the major difference between us and animals - I am not entirely sure I believe that. I have way too much respect for animals is what I am trying to say.

In Germany the movie is called Borderline ... and there is a way better pun than I could think of ... very well described!