Border (Gräns)
Directed by Ali Abbasi
Sweden | 2018 | Fiction | 109 min | Swedish w/English subtitles
Film Source: Neon
Awards / premier festivals: Sweden’s submission to the Academy Awards; Cannes – Un Certain Regard
Sponsor: Middlebury College
Border follows a border guard (the astounding Eva Melander) who has the unerring ability to smell human emotions and catch smugglers. Mysteriously humorous opening scenes come to a halt when one man’s smell eludes her and she is forced to confront disturbing insights about herself and humankind. Border gloriously defies the convention of placing stereotypically attractive actors in lead roles. This is a film that conveys multitudes about humanity, immigration, beauty, sexuality, parenthood, community and much more. Some countries have fairy tales; Swedes have their trolls in the woods, and Border brings them alive with a contemporary twist. This film will stay with you long after the last frame. Not recommended for family viewing. ~ OY