Borderlands

Right now you can watch Borderlands in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Cate Blanchett's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Borderlands is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Borderlands from the crowd. Returning to her home planet, an infamous bounty hunter forms an unexpected alliance with a team of unlikely heroes. Together, they battle monsters and dangerous bandits to protect a young girl who holds the key to unimaginable power. Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It was released in 2024. What keeps Borderlands from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Borderlands is a strong candidate. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Cate Blanchett is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.