★★★☆
Borderline walks a fine line between thriller and comedy, often wobbling but rarely falling flat. Director Jimmy Warden assembles an ambitious, genre-blending romp with a respectable ensemble, anchored by an unexpectedly magnetic performance from Ray Nicholson. As the offbeat and morally murky protagonist, Nicholson steals nearly every scene he’s in, striking a delicate balance between charming and unhinged. It’s the kind of breakout turn that puts him squarely on the radar for bigger, meatier roles.
Jimmie Falls also makes a strong impression here, with a low-key, nuanced performance that adds unexpected emotional depth to the otherwise zany proceedings. It’s a nice showcase for him, and hopefully a sign of more prominent roles to come.
The film’s biggest strength—its sprawling, eclectic cast—also becomes its Achilles’ heel. With so many characters jockeying for screen time, the narrative occasionally loses focus, and some storylines feel undercooked. Unfortunately, this also means Samara Weaving, who’s top-billed and clearly capable of carrying a film like this, feels strangely sidelined. Her character never quite gets the payoff or development she deserves, which is a shame given her sharp comedic timing and screen presence.
Still, with a snappy pace, some genuinely clever twists, and standout performances—particularly from Nicholson—Borderline is a mostly successful swing at something different. It’s uneven, sure, but never boring.
