Borderline

Who wouldn’t want to marry Samara Weaving? And who wouldn’t want to be relentlessly chased by Ray Nicholson - Jack Nicholson’s own flesh and blood? Well…Definitely ME.

I went into Borderline with cautious curiosity and rock-bottom expectations. And yet, to my surprise, I had a blast. Why? Well, let’s say it had a lot to do with the movie itself - and a little to do with the way it wasn’t marketed as The Next Big Horror Sensation.

Unlike “The Monkey” (which had the full-blown hype machine behind it), “Borderline” quietly made its way into 2025’s lineup without setting itself up for impossible expectations. And honestly? That worked in its favour.

Now, onto the movie itself. The plot? Simple: Paul (Ray Nicholson) has a sick twisted plan to marry pop superstar Sofia (Samara Weaving). That’s all you really need to know. But, what follows is a chaotic, absurd black comedy with a neon-splattered deep dive into mental instability. It’s less horror, more a deliciously deranged mix of dark humour and psychological-glittery drama - unsettling and completely unhinged.

The whole stalking-meets-home-invasion angle might not work for everyone, but for someone like me - who loves peeling back the layers of a film beyond its surface - it was a blast.

The less you know going in, the better. But if you, like me, enjoy a bit of cheesy, crazy, nonsensical fun as a breather from heavier cinema - especially when it sneaks in a dark, unsettling take on mental disorders (which, let’s be honest, is totally my cup of tea) - this one’s for you.

Special shoutout to Ray Nicholson, who absolutely owns his first leading role. Sure, we got a hint of his eerie, unforgettable smile in “Smile 2,” but “Borderline” lets him stretch those psychotic muscles even further. He’s got that natural screen presence - part creepy, part hypnotic, and 100% inherited from his legendary father. With those piercing ice-blue eyes and a knack for unsettling charm, he’s one to watch.

Samara Weaving - my beloved scream queen - delivers something totally different here. She’s relaxed, effortlessly funny, and razor-sharp in a role that echoes her “Ready or Not” survivor spirit but still feels fresh. 

The thing about Samara? She likes to fight. The thing about Ray? He likes to smile. That dynamic alone makes for a twisted, entertaining ride.

Oh, and the music? Perfection. This isn’t a musical, but trust me, there are moments where you’ll be dying to belt out some pop bangers. The soundtrack isn’t just fun - it makes total sense in the context of the film, adding an extra layer of chaos to the madness.

While “Borderline” might not make my Top 10 genre films of 2025 by year’s end, I have zero regrets about spending my time with it. 

It’s weird, wild, and unexpectedly hilarious - a fever dream of a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.