The Borrower

  • 1991
  • R
  • 90m
movieMx RATING
4.9/1060
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Borrower Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Borrower (1991) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.

🎭 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 decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Borrower stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Borrower

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1991, The Borrower is a Science Fiction, Comedy, Horror film directed by John McNaughton. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rae Dawn Chong.

Ending Explained: The Borrower

Ending Breakdown: Directed by John McNaughton, 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 involving Rae Dawn Chong, 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

Box Office Collection: The Borrower

Metric / RegionCollection (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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Top Cast: The Borrower

All Cast & Crew →
Rae Dawn Chong
Rae Dawn ChongDiana Pierce
Don Gordon
Don GordonCharles Krieger
Tom Towles
Tom TowlesBob Laney
Larry Pennell
Larry PennellCaptain Scarcelli
Tony Amendola
Tony AmendolaDr. Cheever
Tamara Clatterbuck
Tamara ClatterbuckMichelle Chodiss
Richard Wharton
Richard WhartonAlien Pilot
Robert Dryer
Robert DryerBorrower / Human
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Where to Watch The Borrower Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

The Borrower Parents Guide & Age Rating

1991 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Borrower age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Borrower is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Borrower is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Borrower is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1991 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Borrower. Rating: 4.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Borrower worth watching?

The Borrower is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 4.9/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Borrower parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Borrower identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Borrower?

The total duration of The Borrower is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.

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How The Borrower Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Borrower

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.9
The Borrower
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-borrower-40221" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 4.9</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Borrower</div></div></a>

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