Is The Borrower Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Borrower is likely a skip if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Borrower Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1991, The Borrower emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Comedy, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Aliens punish one of their own by sending him to earth. Unlike standard genre fare, The Borrower attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Borrower features a noteworthy lineup led by Rae Dawn Chong . Supported by the likes of Don Gordon and Tom Towles , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Borrower (1991) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Borrower Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Borrower is a Science Fiction, Comedy, Horror film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Borrower Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Borrower attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Borrower reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Borrower?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Science Fiction films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Borrower Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Borrower Budget
The estimated production budget for The Borrower is $2.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Borrower
- Rae Dawn Chong – Diana Pierce
- Don Gordon – Charles Krieger
- Tom Towles – Bob Laney
- Antonio Fargas – Julius
- Neil Giuntoli – Scully
Top Highlights
Rae Dawn ChongDiana Pierce
Don GordonCharles Krieger
Tom TowlesBob Laney
Antonio FargasJulius
Neil GiuntoliScully
Larry PennellCaptain Scarcelli
Tony AmendolaDr. Cheever
Pamela GordonConnie
Tamara ClatterbuckMichelle Chodiss
Richard WhartonAlien Pilot
Where to Watch The Borrower Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Borrower is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Borrower stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1991 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Borrower movie hit or flop?
The Borrower is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is The Borrower worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, The Borrower may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Borrower online?
The Borrower may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Borrower Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Borrower
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
