Movie Review: BORGMAN (2013) - Nightmarish Conjurings

Salutations my screechers, screamers, and scary dreamers,

Tonight’s tale of terror entitled “Borgman” involves an itinerant’s inscrutable intrusion into an idyllic family’s fancy home and his hypnotic hoodwinking of his hosts. Borgman’s shadowy selfhood subverts the seemingly stationary household’s habits creating chaos and carnage.

This film is not very big on revealing but the leading man proves very appealing as he insinuates himself into a family’s life and begins to cause trouble and strife. Trying to figure out his motivation could lead to a lot of agitation as the filmmakers chose to keep it hazy. By the close of the movie the decision feels lazy as we are given clues but not a solution before we reach the film’s conclusion.

Given that the plot is intentionally oblique, the focus here was definitely on technique. In that regard this picture excels as the style overshadows the story it tells. The camerawork is really top notch which makes this film easier to watch. The lack of a score was a distinctive choice that added a lot to the film’s voice and gave it a uniquely grounded feel as the action began to seem surreal.

The description makes this movie seem dire but it comes across as more of a satire. When it comes to being creepy this film is not white knuckle but is much more likely to make one chuckle. The humor, while amusing, is very cynical while the rest of the picture feels aloof and clinical.

I want to note two things more before I give my final score. The lead actor is really mesmerizing which given the character should not be surprising. To my gore adverse readers a final entry: there is only one quick scene of any butchery.

Story/Concept: 1
Direction/Style: 2
Scares: 0
Atmosphere: 2
Rewatchability: 0

TOTAL: 5/10

In conclusion, while this is not a film I would highly recommend I did not end up hating it in the end. I find myself a little disappointed that this ended up feeling so disjointed because all the makings of greatness were present and it was never able to rise above decent.

Stick to the shadows my fine friends.