Loosely based on a series of true, unsolved murders in Juarez, Mexico, Lauren Adrian (Jennifer Lopez), an impassioned American reporter for the Chicago Sentinel, is tasked with visiting Juarez to investigate the sequence of killings, primarily involving young industrial factory women. As she begins to unravel the story, she also begins to gain the trust of the locals but quickly finds herself falling into danger. A true story that covers the tragic reality of how some women in countries such as Mexico endure. It’s worth noting that Bordertown is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Director: Gregory Nava
Writers:  Gregory Nava
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Antonio Bandares, Martin Sheen

As noted, Bordertown illustrates a true story and one that is often overlooked by mainstream media, exploring the Mexican term “maquiladora”, a term for a factory operating in a free-trade zone, importing materials under tariff-free and duty-free conditions. Interestingly, Bordertown wasn’t the only film of this age to be released on this topic, with The Virgin of Juarez (2006) also released in the same year.

From a plot perspective, the picture adopts a slightly different angle to most of a similar nature, with the story being told through the eyes of a female investigative journalist, with little-to-no protection. Overall, it could be argued that the flick was slow and not overly entertaining but at the same time, there were moments of intrigue and suspense, but those mainly landed during the latter stages.

One aspect of the film worth highlighting would be the cinematography, with the majority being extremely high in contrast, successfully showcasing an authentic Mexican feel throughout the one-hundred and twelve-minute runtime, with a multitude of highly chaotic scenes injected too. As you’d expect, the majority of filming was done on location in Mexico, Juarez to be exact, with Albuquerque in the USA also being utilised.

In terms of the cast, Jennifer Lopez starred as the primary lead within the flick, adopted the role of Lauren Adrian, the journalist at the heart of the majority of scenes. Antonio Bandares and Martin Sheen portrayed Alfonso Diaz and George Morgan, respectively, providing support throughout. Elsewhere, Maya Zapata was also prominent, starring as Eva Jimenez, another key character.

All in all, Bordertown manages to successfully cover a sensitive, but equally as serious subject while providing the audience with a sense of entertainment. While the film may not be loved by everybody, the filmmakers should at least be credited for attempting to raise awareness to a matter that has not gained as much mainstream attention as it may warrant. As previously stated, Bordertown is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

“It isn’t free trade, it’s slave trade!”

Lauren Adrian – Bordertown