Weaving and Nicholson Explore Love and Obsession in ‘Borderline’

LOS ANGELES – The horror-comedy film “Borderline,” directed by Jimmy Warden, highlights the complexities of love and obsession with a unique real-life twist. Premiering in theaters now, the film stars Samara Weaving as Sofia, a pop star pursued by the obsessive fan Duerson, played by Ray Nicholson.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Warden, who is also Weaving’s husband, explained the personal connection he infused into the film. “I wrote it with her in mind,” Warden said, referencing their marriage since 2019. “I put all of her into all of these scenes when they were conceived.” This intimate approach adds depth to a film that examines extreme fan behavior.

Weaving, 33, agreed, noting the ease of working with Warden. “Without sounding too gushy, we have such respect for one another,” she said. “We’re giggling in between takes,” she added, emphasizing how this camaraderie made even the film’s most intense moments feel manageable.

However, Warden admitted to a moment of discomfort while watching a violent scene in which Nicholson’s character shoves Weaving into a glass door. “Watching it last night was the first time I was like, ‘Oh God, that’s a bit much,'” he recalled. Such moments underscore the tension that can arise when personal and professional worlds intersect.

Warden, making his feature directorial debut, expressed gratitude for Weaving’s talent, stating, “To get an actor like Sam just makes your life way easier because she comes in so prepared and nails everything without you even having to ask at all.” Yet, even married couples face creative disputes; Weaving recalled a disagreement over her character’s wig. “I wanted a wig because my hair was dying. And he said no wigs,” she said, to which Warden playfully agreed.

The film also stands out as a product of LuckyChap Entertainment, co-founded by Margot Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley. As for the creative process, Warden emphasized the collaborative nature of their work, despite occasional disagreements. “I stormed off to the hairdresser and had to dye my hair really blonde again,” Weaving admitted with a laugh. “He was right because wigs are really hard.”

As audiences flock to theaters to see “Borderline,” both Weaving and Nicholson are keen to expand their careers further. Nicholson recently appeared in the film “Novocaine” and reflected on his own upbringing as the son of Oscar-winning actors Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard.

Despite his famous lineage, Nicholson initially resisted the allure of Hollywood. “I wanted to be an astronaut, and then maybe a sports agent,” he shared. Yet, realizing his passion for acting, he remarked, “I later realized that, yeah, deep down I’d always wanted to do this.”

Now, Nicholson is riding a wave of success, stating, “I think things happen when they do for a reason.” His grounded approach to fame, shaped by observing others in the spotlight at a young age, provides him with a unique perspective. He referenced how fame at a young age can be detrimental, saying, “I feel so much for the people who had this at a young age.”

Outside of acting, Nicholson enjoys a calm life in Los Angeles with his girlfriend Sara Sampaio and their dog. He mentioned that despite his roots, he prefers cozy evenings at home. “I’m not as well-traveled as you might think!” he said. Nevertheless, he engages in hobbies like yoga and fly-fishing, relishing a peaceful life.

With both Weaving and Nicholson finding fulfillment in their respective projects, audiences can anticipate more from this talented duo in the years to come. “Borderline” is now available in theaters, offering a compelling mix of humor, horror, and personal insight into both the character’s lives and their creators.