Summary
“Borderline” (2025) is a wild, blood-soaked thriller blending dark comedy and slasher tropes, starring Samara Weaving and a standout Ray Nicholson. Directed by Jimmy Warden, the film delivers chaotic energy and twisted fun, even if it falls short of its full potential.
Sofia (Samara Weaving) is an international pop sensation living the dream in ’90s L.A.—but fame often comes with a dark price. Enter Paul Duerson (Ray Nicholson), a dangerously obsessed super-fan who believes Sofia is destined to be his wife. Paul’s fixation quickly spirals into violence, resulting in the brutal assault of Bell (Eric Dane), Sofia’s loyal bodyguard. Bell ends up institutionalized, and for a while, peace seems restored—until Paul escapes with the help of two equally unhinged accomplices. What follows is a blood-soaked night of twisted comedy and chaos.
Directed by Jimmy Warden (Cocaine Bear)—who also happens to be Weaving’s husband—Borderline attempts to blend dark comedy and slasher tropes into a stylish, offbeat thriller. The results are mixed but undeniably entertaining.
Samara Weaving lights up the screen, as always, with her captivating presence, even if her character, Sofia, feels a little under-cooked. Ray Nicholson, on the other hand, is the standout. Channelling some of his father Jack’s unhinged energy, he plays Paul with a wild-eyed intensity that steals the show. Jimmie Fails also brings charm and believability to Rhodes, Sofia’s love interest, grounding the madness with a likable performance.
I had high hopes for Borderline after the trailer—being a fan of both Samara and Ray, and thoroughly enjoying Cocaine Bear. While the film offers plenty of manic energy and darkly comic moments, it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. The setup is strong, the cast is solid, but something feels missing in the execution. It’s a fun ride, but one that could’ve used a few more scenic detours before reaching its final stop.
That said, Ray Nicholson’s performance alone makes Borderline worth watching. He walks the line between creepy and oddly sympathetic with surprising finesse. As for Samara, while she shines with what she’s given, a more fleshed-out role could’ve really let her rip.
Final Verdict: If you’re a fan of Samara Weaving or curious to see Jack Nicholson’s legacy carried on through Ray, Borderline is worth your time. It may not deliver the full punch of Cocaine Bear, but it still makes for an entertaining night in. Here’s hoping Weaving and Nicholson reunite for something even bloodier—and weirder—in the future.
