Upon Entry

Diego and Elena leave Barcelona for New York. A new life project filled with positive aspirations. But a 'simple' customs check is about to turn everything upside down.

"Border Line" establishes itself as an intense and remarkably controlled cinematic experience within its concise 1h15 runtime. Far from getting lost in unnecessary detours, the film focuses its energy on an oppressive "huis clos", maintaining palpable tension from beginning to end.

The direction judiciously chooses to linger on faces, a true narrative tool allowing it to capture the slightest nuance in the actors' performances and connect us directly to the emotions running through the characters: fear, hope, exhaustion, defiance. We feel their inner experience up close, making the experience immersive and profoundly human.

Beyond the personal drama unfolding, "Border Line" highlights with great accuracy the absurdity of certain immigration procedures. Without falling into heavy-handed demonstration, the film exposes the workings of a system where bureaucratic logic sometimes seems to override humanity, confronting individuals with excessive requirements disconnected from their reality.

The heart of the story, the interrogation, is particularly successful in its ability to create a tangible unease in the viewer. Its interminable nature, its intrusiveness, and the complete lack of propriety in the questions asked place us in an uncomfortable position, making us share the vulnerability and psychological exhaustion of the characters subjected to this veritable verbal knockout.

"Border Line" is a concise and impactful work that stands out for its direct approach. Its strength lies in its ability to combine narrative intensity, psychological finesse thanks to a camera close to the characters, and a subtle yet sharp social critique. A necessary film that challenges the viewer and stays in memory long after the end credits roll.