Borgman (2013) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Borgman (2013), directed by Dutch filmmaker Alex van Warmerdam, is an eerie and surreal thriller that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare. Blending elements of dark fantasy, horror, and psychological suspense, Borgman tells the disturbing story of an enigmatic homeless man who infiltrates the life of an affluent suburban family, bringing chaos and destruction in his wake. The film is filled with unsettling imagery, cryptic dialogue, and an enigmatic plot that invites multiple interpretations, making it one of the most thought-provoking European films of the decade.
In this review, we’ll dive into the themes and symbolism of Borgman, its unsettling narrative, and where you can watch this chilling masterpiece online.
Plot Summary
The film opens with a haunting scene in the forest, where three armed men—including a priest—are hunting for a group of homeless men living in underground tunnels. One of the men, Camiel Borgman (Jan Bijvoet), narrowly escapes and soon finds his way to a wealthy suburban neighborhood. Disheveled and seemingly harmless, Borgman knocks on the door of a modern, luxurious home owned by Richard (Jeroen Perceval), a successful businessman, and his wife Marina (Hadewych Minis). Borgman asks if he can take a bath, a bizarre request that immediately sets the tone for the film’s strange and unsettling narrative.
Richard, suspicious and outraged, violently attacks Borgman and throws him off the property. However, Marina, feeling guilty for her husband’s cruelty, takes pity on Borgman and secretly allows him to stay in their garden shed. From this moment on, Borgman begins to manipulate the family, slowly infiltrating their lives in increasingly bizarre and disturbing ways. He charms Marina and forms an unsettling bond with the couple’s three children and their live-in nanny. As Borgman’s influence grows, the family’s seemingly perfect life unravels, leading to violent and surreal events that leave the audience questioning the true nature of Borgman and his motives.
Why Borgman is a Must-Watch
- An Ambiguous, Haunting Narrative: Borgman is a film that refuses to provide easy answers, leaving much of its plot open to interpretation. The film operates on a dreamlike logic, where events unfold in a surreal and often disjointed manner. The true identity of Borgman and his ultimate goal remain shrouded in mystery, inviting the audience to question whether he is a metaphorical figure—perhaps a symbol of evil or societal decay—or something more supernatural. The film’s ambiguity keeps viewers engaged long after the credits roll, as they try to piece together the meaning behind Borgman’s actions.
- A Commentary on Class and Privilege: While Borgman is filled with surreal and unsettling imagery, it also serves as a critique of the upper class and the fragility of bourgeois life. Borgman, an outsider who infiltrates the wealthy household, systematically dismantles the family’s facade of perfection. The film subtly comments on the vulnerability of the privileged class, suggesting that their lives, built on wealth and status, can be easily disrupted by forces beyond their control.
- Chilling Performances: Jan Bijvoet delivers an unnerving performance as the titular character, embodying an air of quiet menace. His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with the chaos he causes, making him an even more terrifying presence. Hadewych Minis as Marina gives a layered performance as a woman whose kindness toward Borgman slowly transforms into something darker and more complicit. The entire cast does an excellent job of portraying characters whose lives unravel under the influence of a mysterious intruder.
- A Surreal Visual Experience: Borgman is visually striking, with a minimalist aesthetic that adds to its unsettling atmosphere. The suburban home, with its clean lines and modern design, becomes a stark and sterile backdrop for the bizarre and nightmarish events that unfold. Warmerdam’s use of long, static shots and an eerie, ambient score heightens the sense of dread, creating an atmosphere of quiet tension that pervades the entire film.
- A Puzzle for the Viewer: Borgman is not a conventional narrative; it is a puzzle that invites the viewer to engage with its symbols and hidden meanings. Themes of religion, power, control, and human nature are woven throughout the film, but it is up to the audience to interpret them. The film’s refusal to explain itself in straightforward terms is one of its greatest strengths, making it a fascinating experience for viewers who enjoy dissecting and debating films.
Themes in Borgman
- Invasion and Disruption: At its core, Borgman is a story about the invasion of a domestic space. Borgman represents an outsider who not only physically enters the family’s home but also invades their minds and lives, slowly eroding the stability of their world. This theme of invasion extends beyond the physical to the psychological, as Borgman’s presence gradually corrupts the family’s relationships and sense of reality.
- The Power of Influence: Borgman’s ability to manipulate the family without ever raising suspicion or encountering serious resistance speaks to the power of influence. His soft-spoken demeanor and subtle actions are enough to gradually take control of the family, suggesting that evil—or corruption—does not always present itself in overt ways. It can be insidious, creeping into the cracks of everyday life until it takes over completely.
- Class Struggles: The film also touches on class struggles, with Borgman as the homeless outsider and the family representing the privileged upper class. The family’s initial rejection of Borgman, followed by their gradual submission to his will, can be seen as a commentary on the fragility of wealth and social standing. The film critiques the bourgeois lifestyle and suggests that the superficial trappings of wealth are not enough to protect one from external threats.
- The Supernatural vs. The Mundane: One of the film’s most intriguing aspects is its blending of the supernatural with the mundane. Borgman and his mysterious group of associates seem to possess otherworldly powers, yet they operate in a world that is otherwise grounded in reality. This juxtaposition of the fantastical and the ordinary heightens the film’s unsettling atmosphere, making it difficult to discern what is real and what is imagined.
Where to Watch Borgman Online
1. Amazon Prime Video
Borgman is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can stream the film in HD across a variety of devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
The film can also be rented or purchased through Apple TV (iTunes), making it accessible on all Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Borgman is available on Google Play Movies & TV for rent or purchase. You can stream it on Android devices and smart TVs.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
4. Vudu
On Vudu, Borgman is available in HD for rental or purchase. It can be streamed on various platforms such as Roku, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
5. YouTube Movies
You can rent or buy Borgman on YouTube Movies and stream it in HD on any device that supports YouTube.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
Is Borgman on Netflix?
As of now, Borgman is not available on Netflix. However, it is widely available on other platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu, for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
Borgman is a dark and enigmatic film that defies easy classification. Its surreal narrative, unsettling atmosphere, and ambiguous symbolism make it a compelling watch for fans of psychological thrillers and art-house cinema. The film challenges its audience to grapple with complex themes such as invasion, control, and the fragility of bourgeois life, while its cryptic plot invites multiple interpretations.
With its availability on major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, Borgman is easily accessible for those looking for a thought-provoking and unsettling viewing experience. Prepare for a haunting journey into a world where nothing is as it seems.
