Border (2008) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The 2018 Swedish film Border (directed by Ali Abbasi) concludes with Tina, a customs officer with an unusual appearance and ability to smell emotions, discovering her true identity as a troll (a mythical Scandinavian creature). After meeting Vore, who shares her traits, she learns they were both raised by humans to suppress their nature. The film ends with Tina embracing her troll heritage, rejecting human morality, and joining Vore in the forest to live freely. The ambiguous finale leaves room for interpretation about her future, the fate of her human relationships, and the broader implications of her species' existence.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Border revolves around Tina's transformation from a socially isolated, seemingly human customs officer into a self-aware troll. Throughout the film, her unique abilities-such as detecting shame or guilt-hint at her non-human origins, but it isn't until she meets Vore that she fully comprehends her identity. Vore reveals that they are part of a hidden race of trolls, creatures from Scandinavian folklore who were forcibly integrated into human society. The final act sees Tina confronting her adoptive human father, who admits to kidnapping her as a baby to "protect" her from her true nature. This revelation shatters Tina's trust in the human world, leading her to abandon her job, her boyfriend, and her entire human life.
The film's ending is both liberating and unsettling. Tina sheds her human constraints-both physically (her teeth fall out, revealing troll-like fangs) and emotionally-as she joins Vore in the woods. Their final scene together implies a romantic and primal connection, symbolized by their shared howling under the moonlight. However, the film leaves key questions unanswered: What will Tina and Vore do next? Will they seek out others of their kind? Will they harm humans, or simply live apart? The open-ended nature of the finale suggests that Tina's journey is just beginning, and her newfound freedom comes at the cost of her former humanity.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
What is the true nature of trolls in this universe?
- Theory 1: They are a dying species, forced into hiding by humans.
- Theory 2: They are predators who once lived openly but were demonized and hunted.
- Theory 3: They are a parallel evolutionary branch, biologically distinct but intelligent.
Why did Tina's adoptive father raise her as human?
- Possibility 1: He genuinely believed he was saving her from persecution.
- Possibility 2: He was part of a larger effort to assimilate trolls into society.
- Possibility 3: He feared her true nature and wanted to control it.
What happens to Tina's human connections (her boyfriend, her colleagues)?
- Option 1: They never learn the truth and assume she disappeared.
- Option 2: They eventually discover the existence of trolls.
- Option 3: Tina deliberately cuts ties, viewing them as part of her "false" life.
Does Tina fully embrace her troll instincts, including violence?
- Interpretation 1: Yes-her final scenes imply she has shed human morality.
- Interpretation 2: No-she may find a balance between her two identities.
- Interpretation 3: The film leaves it ambiguous to emphasize her transformation.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Border is a masterpiece of psychological horror and folklore, blending body horror with deep existential questions about identity and belonging. The ending is haunting because it refuses to offer easy answers. Tina's rejection of humanity is both tragic and empowering-she gains freedom but loses everything familiar. The film's ambiguity forces viewers to grapple with their own biases: Are we meant to see Tina's choice as monstrous or liberating? The cinematography and sound design amplify the eerie tone, making the finale feel like a dark fairy tale. While some might find the lack of closure frustrating, I believe it strengthens the film's themes of otherness and self-discovery.
Final Thoughts on Symbolism & Themes
The ending of Border serves as a metaphor for anyone who has felt like an outsider. Tina's journey mirrors real-world struggles of marginalized individuals who must choose between assimilation and embracing their true selves. The forest, a recurring symbol in folklore, represents the unknown and the primal - Tina's return to it signifies a rejection of societal norms. The film also critiques humanity's cruelty, particularly in how it treats those who are different. By leaving the ending open, Border invites viewers to reflect on their own boundaries of morality and acceptance. It's a thought-provoking, unsettling, and ultimately unforgettable conclusion to a unique cinematic experience.