Violetta is a woman living in a nation where she's no longer welcome.
She's Armenian. Her home lies within Azerbaijan. And the two nations closest to her heart are at war.
The year is 1988, and hatred shadows her every step -- at school, at the grocery store, and even along the streets, where a sign reading "Death to Armenians" hangs. Just the other night, one of her Armenian neighbors was dragged from his apartment and brutally killed.
Thankfully, though, her husband has a plan. They'll head to Russia, where a few distant relatives can offer refuge. They'll stay there until the chaos at home subsides -- and then, eventually, return.
Unfortunately, though, their situation grows more dim in Russia, where Armenians face discrimination and intimidation every day. Violetta and her husband encounter prejudice. On the streets, local law enforcement officials question their every move under the threat of violence.
But then, a local church reaches out to the family. Then, the members of that church suggested that they apply for asylum in the United States.
Will Violetta's family ever find a country that accepts them?
The new movie Between Borders follows the story of Violetta, her husband Ivan, and their two daughters, Julia and Olga.
Here are three reasons it's one of the year's best movies.
Photo Credit: ©Fathom Entertainment
1. It's Based on an Inspiring True Story
1. It's Based on an Inspiring True Story
Between Borders (unrated) is based on the true story of the Petrosyan family, who found themselves "between borders" in the late 1980s, caught in the upheaval of living in a Soviet satellite country during the collapse of the Soviet Union. The country they called home, Azerbaijan, rejected them because of their ethnicity. But the people of Armenia also shunned them, citing their connection to an enemy nation. For decades, the Soviets maintained peace between the two countries. However, as Soviet influence weakened globally, the two nations descended into war. In 1988, a bloody conflict erupted between the two nations.
"We can't just leave. This is our home," Violetta tells her husband.
But when her children face threats at school, her tune changes.
In Russia, their circumstances grow ever more grim. Soldiers stop Ivan on the street, demanding his papers and sneering, "There's too many of you stinking up our city." Violetta faces similar humiliation at her employer, a school that agrees to hire her only if she acknowledges that her ethnicity is inferior to that of a Russian. The head of the school demands that she repeat, three times, "I'm quieter than water and lower than grass." Violetta, desperate to provide for her children, reluctantly complies.
Yet, in the midst of this hate-filled darkness, a local church becomes a beacon of hope. Church members reach out to the Petrosyans, repairing their apartment and providing essential supplies. They offer Ivan a job. Most importantly, the church extends friendship, love, and a message of redemption.
"Why are you so nice to us when it seems no one else in this country wants us here?" a confused Ivan asks the pastor.
The pastor replies: Jesus, too, experienced rejection.
Photo Credit: ©Fathom Entertainment
2. It's Beautifully Crafted
2. It's Beautifully Crafted
Between Borders features an outstanding cast that brings its powerful message to life. Elizabeth Tabish, best known for her role as Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, portrays Violetta, while Patrick Sabongui of The Flash stars as Ivan. Stelio Savante (Pursuit of Freedom, Nefarious) portrays a welcoming church member, while Elizabeth Mitchell, who was nominated for a Primetime Emmy, plays a cynical attorney who questions the Petrosyans' every move.
It's a well-crafted, inspiring story that keeps you engaged.
The backdrop to the plot is the old Soviet Union, brought to life with remarkable authenticity. The film captures its cold, unwelcoming atmosphere, where the people often reflect the harshness of their environment. (The Petrosyans' landlord initially tells them, bluntly, "We have nothing for you. Go away.”)
The movie immerses viewers in the bleak realities of the time. Each day, it seems, is cloudy -- literally and figuratively.
Photo Credit: ©Fathom Entertainment
3. It Has a Timely Message for Our World
3. It Has a Timely Message for Our World
It's hard to hate someone once you step into their world. Between Borders celebrates the shared humanity that is often overlooked in society. At their core, the Petrosyans were no different than the people who hated them -- sharing meals, sharing laughter, and striving for a better tomorrow. And yet, they were shunned because of something so superficial -- the tone of their skin.
Between Borders also celebrates the power of the gospel. Violetta is drawn to the church because of its love, yes, but also because of its impact on her mother. In the words of Violetta, her mom "had this new sense of peace." Violetta encounters the Jesus who promises a better way. He loves instead of hates. He embraces those society rejects. Most importantly, He provides peace and hope in a world that offers neither.
The film closes with Violetta and Ivan desperately trying to persuade a U.S. immigration judge to believe their story and to provide them asylum.
Between Borders is launching at a time when conflicts driven by hatred fill our world: in the Middle East, in Africa and Europe, and across the world.
No doubt, the film has a message for our affluent world, too.
Between Borders is unrated. It contains no coarse language or sexuality and minimal to moderate violence. Due to thematic elements, it likely would be rated PG-13.
Discussion questions: What drives people to hate other people? What is the solution? What role can the church play in that solution? How does the Petrosyans' story resonate with the challenges and conflicts in our world today?
Entertainment rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Family-friendly rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Photo Credit: ©Fathom Entertainment
Originally published January 24, 2025.
