"Borrowed," a 2022 psychological drama directed by Carlos Rafael Betancourt and Oscar Ernesto Ortega, unfolds the gripping narrative of David, a reclusive middle-aged painter and former Navy officer, living in isolation on the beautiful shoreline of the Florida Keys. His hermetic existence is disrupted when he invites the young and openly gay Justin into his home for what begins as a portrait session but soon takes an unexpected turn, leading both characters into a dance of power and revelation.
“Borrowed,” directed by Carlos Rafael Betancourt and Oscar Ernesto Ortega, is a psychological drama that explores the intricate dynamics between two men in the scenic and isolated setting of the Florida Keys. The film features top-notch performances from its principal actors, Jonathan Del Arco as David and Héctor Medina as Justin, who skillfully navigate the complexities of their characters.
The narrative unfolds as David, a middle-aged painter and former Navy officer living in seclusion, invites Justin, a young and openly gay stranger, into his home for a portrait session that takes an unexpected turn. The movie adeptly captures the tension and power play between the characters, with each interaction revealing deeper and darker truths about their motivations.
The storyline, while engaging, is noted for its occasional convolution, particularly in moments like the abrupt shift in Justin’s attitude. The scream from outside, triggered by a trapped raccoon on the dock, and Justin’s reaction to David’s artwork add layers to the narrative, though some viewers may find these elements less clear in their significance.
The film employs a tango as a metaphor for the intricate dance of power and control between the characters. David explains the sultry and complex nature of the dance, historically associated with prostitutes and often danced by two men. This artistic choice adds a layer of depth to the character dynamics and provides a thematic throughline for the film.
One notable aspect of “Borrowed” is the seamless flow of dialogue in different languages, reflecting the characters’ comfort with multilingual interactions. Subtitles effectively translate English into Spanish and vice versa, enhancing the audience’s understanding and immersion in the story.
Technically, the film excels, with well-executed sets, camera work, and lighting that contribute to the atmospheric quality of the movie. The sense of mystery is effectively maintained, keeping viewers intrigued about what will unfold next and to whom.
However, the film’s ending left some viewers wanting. Despite the emotional tension built throughout the narrative, the conclusion is described as fizzling out, not fully delivering on the anticipated emotional climax. This aspect might leave some audience members with a sense of unfulfilled expectations.
In summary, “Borrowed” offers a captivating exploration of power dynamics and hidden truths within the context of an isolated and beautifully filmed Florida Keys setting. Strong performances, technical excellence, and an engaging interplay between the characters make it a worthwhile watch, though a clearer resolution in the ending could have elevated the overall impact of the film.
