Netflix has quietly added the live-action adaptation of the popular video game franchise Borderlands to its streaming library as of March 22. The film, directed by Eli Roth, is based on the first-person shooter series known for its extravagant weapons, crude humour, and colourful characters.
The movie follows Lilith (Cate Blanchett), an infamous bounty hunter who returns to her home planet of Pandora to find the missing daughter of Atlas. She forms an unlikely alliance with a ragtag team including Roland (Kevin Hart), Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), and Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black). Together, they battle aliens and bandits to uncover a powerful secret.
Borderlands was a box office disappointment, losing $100 million against its budget, and scored just 10% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it has since developed a divisive fanbase, with some viewers calling it an 'absolute thrill ride' that captures the chaotic charm of the games, while others describe it as a 'no-heart, by-the-numbers adaptation'.
The film's production was reportedly troubled, with unconfirmed rumours that writer Joe Crombie may not exist and that Tim Miller was brought in for reshoots. Despite its critical and commercial reception, the movie has found an audience on streaming.
