Borrowed *** (2022, Jonathan Del Arco, Héctor Medina) – Classic Movie Review 12,364

Jonathan Del Arco stars in the 2022 film Borrowed as troubled reclusive artist David who welcomes much younger Justin (Héctor Medina) into his home and life in the Florida Keys. David initially wants to use Justin as an artist’s model and paint him, but soon, when Justin attempts to leave, he is imprisoning him in the house and surrounding area.

It is not the thriller you might hope it would be, and certainly could be, and it does not really play realistically. It’s an emotional and psychological drama. There are several times when Justin could escape and yet he doesn’t. David wants to recreate a failed relationship with his missing son from the past, while Justin is somehow attracted to David, or at least fascinated by him. Justin is looking for a father figure after his failed relationship with his own father, just like David is looking for a son figure. [Spoiler alert] However, as the drama plays out, Justin gives David the courage to seek out his actual missing son, and both men’s lives are changed forever.

It is based on a stage play, but somehow it works as a film. The acting carries it, with Jonathan Del Arco managing a near-impossible mix of mean and hard on the one hand and kindly and vulnerable on the other. Héctor Medina embodies his sensitive dream character in a warm performance. The attractive photography and sharp editing keep the idea of a filmed play at bay. It’s quite cinematic. Even with just two characters it stays involving, with plenty of intensity, interest and focus.

© Derek Winnert 2022 Classic Movie Review 12,364

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