Title: Borgman
Year: 2013
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Rating: 6.516
Cast: Jan Bijvoet, Hadewych Minis, Jeroen Perceval, Alex van Warmerdam, Tom Dewispelaere
Description: A creeping dread, like a persistent stain seeping into the fabric of reality, is the defining characteristic of Alex van Warmerdam's "Borgman." This isn't a horror film in the traditional sense, but a slow-burn descent into the unsettling, a masterclass in building suspense through unsettling imagery and subtly unnerving performances. The film’s power lies not in jump scares, but in its exploration of societal anxieties, the simmering resentment beneath the surface of suburban complacency, and the seductive allure of the outsider, represented by the enigmatic Borgman himself. His presence is a disquieting force, a catalyst for the unraveling of a seemingly perfect family, exposing their hidden vulnerabilities and the cracks in their idyllic facade. Van Warmerdam crafts a world both eerily familiar and deeply disturbing, leaving a lingering unease long after the credits roll. "Borgman" is a challenging, rewarding experience—a disturbingly beautiful exploration of human fragility and the darkness that lurks beneath our everyday lives. It's a film that stays with you, a testament to the power of unsettling cinema.