By ATTS 
Lifetime’s latest true-crime offering, “Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story,” sheds light on the harrowing ordeal of a woman whose life was turned upside down by a relentless stalker. The film, which premiered on February 18, 2023, paints a chilling portrait of Marcela Borges’ courageous fight for justice in the face of unimaginable terror.
Marcela Borges, a single mother of two, first encountered her stalker, Michael Begin, in 2014. Begin, a security guard at her apartment complex, initially seemed friendly but soon became increasingly intrusive, harassing Borges with unwanted phone calls, texts, and even showing up at her home uninvited.
As Borges’ fear escalated, she reported Begin to the police, but her concerns were initially dismissed. It wasn’t until Begin broke into her apartment and attacked her that authorities finally took action. Begin was arrested, but Borges’ nightmare was far from over.
Despite being charged with burglary and assault, Begin was released on bail. He continued to stalk and harass Borges, even threatening her life. The protective order she obtained against him proved ineffective, and the justice
system seemed to fail her at every turn.
Borges’ story highlights the shortcomings of a system that often prioritizes the rights of the accused over the safety of victims. The lack of support she received from law enforcement and the courts left her feeling vulnerable and desperate.
Undeterred, Borges refused to give up. She became an advocate for victims of stalking, sharing her story and fighting for stronger laws. In 2018, she testified before the California State Assembly, advocating for legislation that would expand the definition of stalking and increase penalties for offenders.
Borges’ efforts paid off. In 2019, California passed AB 379, known as the “Marcela’s Law,” which made it easier for victims to obtain restraining orders and increased the punishments for repeat stalking offenses.
Today, Marcela Borges continues to be an inspiration to survivors of stalking. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up on the pursuit of justice.
“Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story” is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on a serious issue often overlooked. It’s a testament to Borges’ courage and determination, as well as a call to action for society to do more to protect victims of stalking.
While “Terror Comes Knocking” has been widely praised for its powerful storytelling, some critics have raised concerns about its portrayal of the justice system. They argue that the film oversimplifies a complex issue, placing too much blame on individual law enforcement officers and not enough on the systemic failures that allowed Begin to continue harassing Borges despite multiple arrests.
Others have criticized the film for focusing on Borges’ experience to the exclusion of other victims of stalking. They argue that while her story is important, it doesn’t fully represent the diversity of experiences that victims face.
“Terror Comes Knocking” has sparked important conversations about the need for comprehensive stalking laws and better support for victims. The film’s impact extends beyond individual stories, highlighting the broader societal issues that need to be addressed.
The passage of “Marcela’s Law” in California is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of victims’ voices being heard. The film’s release provides an opportunity to continue this dialogue and push for further reforms that will protect victims and hold stalkers accountable.
“Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story” is a gripping and thought-provoking true-crime film that shines a light on the horrors of stalking and the relentless pursuit of justice. While it raises important questions about the shortcomings of the justice system, it also celebrates the resilience of victims and the power of advocacy. The film’s legacy will be measured in the changes it inspires, both in terms of individual cases and the broader societal discourse on stalking.
