What Is The Borrowers About?
The premise of The Borrowers in 325 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet suburb where the Lender family resides, the ordinary rhythms of daily life hide an extraordinary secret. Inside the walls and beneath the floorboards of their home, a diminutive clan makes its world out of discarded threads, safety pins, batteries and the occasional crumb. Their existence is a careful choreography of borrowing just enough to survive, while staying perfectly unseen by the occupants above. The house itself becomes a sprawling wonderland of oversized objects, each one a potential treasure or hazard for the four‑inch‑tall Clock family.
The Clock clan is led by the gentle yet resourceful patriarch Pod Clock, whose curiosity is matched only by his protective love for his children. Arrietty Clock, bright‑eyed and adventurous, constantly pushes the boundaries of what their tiny world can accommodate, while her brother Peagreen Clock offers a steadier, more cautious counterpoint. Their lives are a blend of tender family moments and the constant, quiet tension of existing in a realm not meant for them, fostering a deep bond that is both charming and poignant.
Above them, the human side of the story unfolds. Pete Lender, a perceptive child, begins to notice the inexplicable disappearances that hint at something unseen. His parents, Joe Lender and Victoria Lender, navigate the usual concerns of family life, unaware that a hidden society shares their home. Into this delicate balance steps the ambitious lawyer Ocious P. Potter, whose plans for the property threaten to upend both the human and Borrower worlds. The looming prospect of demolition casts a shadow over the house, turning the everyday into a ticking clock for everyone involved.
The film balances whimsy and tension, inviting viewers into a world where the ordinary is anything but. With a tone that blends gentle humor, quiet wonder, and an undercurrent of suspense, the story explores what happens when two vastly different lives intersect—prompting both sides to question the limits of their worlds and the fragile connections that bind them together.
What Happens in The Borrowers?
The complete story of The Borrowers, from the first scene to the last, in 805 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 13 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Young Pete Lender Bradley Pierce notices small items vanish from the family home and explains to his parents Joe Lender Aden Gillett and Victoria Lender Doon Mackichan that these disappearances aren’t mere accidents. Behind the walls and under the floorboards, a tiny family of Borrowers—the Clock clan led by Pod Clock Jim Broadbent—has been living unseen, discreetly lifting objects that humans simply chalk up to a misplacement. The Lenders’ trouble begins to mount when lawyer Ocious P. Potter John Goodman arrives, claiming he cannot find the will of Victoria’s late aunt Mary Alabaster, the document that would validate the house as the Borrowers’ rightful home, and with that claim he schemes to demolish the house and replace it with condos.
Pod Clock Jim Broadbent and his children Arrietty Clock Flora Newbigin and Peagreen Clock Tom Felton venture through the kitchen, attempting a careful “borrow” of a battery to sustain their tiny world. Arrietty indulges in a brief ice-cream indulgence from the freezer and, in a perilous moment, gets trapped inside. Pod rescues her with a swift move through the ice dispenser, but a gadget of his is left behind, a clue that the humans might someday uncover. Arrietty, venturing out alone again, is soon captured by Pete, who—though curious—begins to see that the house is more than a place to hide. The two form a wary bond, and Pete explains the looming threat: without the will, the house will be razed.
Arrietty warns her family, and, against his better judgment, Pod concedes to Pete’s plan and allows the Clocks to ride along on the Lenders’ moving truck, hoping to reach safety at a new residence. Pete returns Pod’s gadget, rekindling trust between the human and Borrower worlds. As the truck pulls away, Arrietty and Peagreen slip off the moving pile and struggle back toward the house, unsure where their fate will land them.
Potter soon arrives at the property, and the truth about his deception comes to light: Victoria Alabaster had indeed hidden her will—inside the very walls of the house. He finds the document in a concealed safe and prepares to burn it to erase any trace of the Borrowers’ claim. Arrietty and Peagreen escape with the will, while Potter summons Exterminator Jeff Mark Williams to “exterminate” the Borrowers. The confrontation escalates quickly, with Mrs. Potter’s spite shining through as a police Officer Steady Hugh Laurie and the local constables respond to the uproar. In a shocking turn, Potter is sprayed with caustic foam and electrocuted, his plan foiled, though he remains determined to press on with his demolition scheme.
The pursuit spills into the dairy, where Peagreen accidentally tumbles into an empty milk bottle and is captured for processing. Potter, Jeff, and Jeff’s flatulent bloodhound Mr. Smelly close in, while Pete, Pod, and Homily Clock Celia Imrie scramble to keep the document—now the key to their future—out of Potter’s hands. Spiller [Raymond Pickard], a Borrower living on the city streets, helps Arrietty reach the dairy, and Pod rescues Peagreen from the belt of the assembly line. Potter’s cruel plan intensifies as he traps the Borrowers, attempting to drown them in liquid cheese, but Spiller taunts him, and the would-be tyrant ends up trapped in a dangerous machine—an act that seems to mark his downfall.
Pete arrives just in time to rescue the Clocks, and Jeff, realizing Potter’s true motives, has a change of heart and drives them toward City Hall to halt the demolition. Potter’s path is blocked by a dizzying array of mistaken directions from a City Hall clerk, and a wild chase ensues. At the demolition office, Potter confronts the trio again, only to be outmaneuvered and captured. The Borrowers, led by Pod, along with Pete and Officer Steady, spring their final plan into action. Spiller arrives with an army of Borrowers to subdue Potter, who is warned—on behalf of every Borrower—about the consequences of his greed.
With the will secured and the law on their side, Potter is arrested, and the Lenders reclaim their home. The Clock family returns to their living space, now fully supported by Pete’s help and the scavenging Borrowers they’ve befriended, including Minty Branch Bob Goody, Swag Moss Patrick Monckton, and Dustbunny Bin Andrew Dunford. Arrietty and Spiller sneak away for a playful ride on Spiller’s aerosol-paint-propelled roller skate, a small moment of whimsy that caps off their hard-won triumph.
In a final, comic coda, Potter, now stripped of his power, entertains the absurd idea of the Borrowers’ existence as he faces mugshots and a city-wide chorus of laughter from cops and convicts alike. The film closes on a hopeful note: the Lenders move back into their home, the Clocks remain integrated in their lives, and Pete’s friendship with the Borrowers continues to grow, a quiet reminder of the delicate balance between human and tiny worlds.
The Borrowers Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Pete Lender suspects theft; Borrowers live unseen” to “Final reunion; the house is saved”. 14 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Pete Lender suspects theft; Borrowers live unseen
Young Pete Lender sets up traps around the house and tells his parents that small items are being stolen. Meanwhile, unseen Borrowers hide in the walls and quietly gather the things they need. The tension between the human family and the hidden borrowers grows.
When:Morning Where:The Lenders' house
- 2
Potter arrives with news of a will and demolition threat
Lawyer Ocious P. Potter informs the Lenders that Victoria Alabaster's will cannot be found, leaving the house without a rightful owner. He ominously explains that he plans to demolish the property to make way for condominiums. The looming threat pushes the family toward drastic decisions.
When:Afternoon Where:The Lenders' house
- 3
Borrowers venture into the kitchen for a battery
Pod Clock leads his children through the kitchen to borrow a battery. Arrietty samples ice cream from the freezer and is accidentally trapped when the humans return. Pod rescues her using the ice dispenser, but he must leave behind one gadget.
When:Day Where:Kitchen
- 4
Arrietty is captured by Pete; an uneasy truce forms
Arrietty is captured by Pete during a later excursion, and the two begin to understand each other. Pete explains that the house will be demolished because the will is missing. Arrietty warns her family, and Pod reluctantly agrees to join Pete's plan on the moving truck, while Pete repairs and returns Pod's gadget to him, earning their trust.
When:Evening Where:The Lenders' house
- 5
Moving day: the Borrowers ride along on the truck
Pete smuggles the Clocks onto the Lenders' moving truck, hoping to keep them safe in a new home. Arrietty and Peagreen slip and fall out during the move and must find their way back to the house. The family continues the relocation, unaware of the Borrowers' continued presence.
When:Moving day Where:Moving truck / road
- 6
Arrietty and Peagreen return to warn the Borrowers
Arrietty and Peagreen fall from the moving truck and eventually return to the Lenders' house. They rush to warn Pod and the others about the impending danger. The Borrowers prepare to act as the demolition threat closes in.
When:Shortly after the fall Where:Outside the moving area, then back at the house
- 7
Potter reveals the will is hidden in the house
Potter arrives at the house and reveals that he lied about the missing will; Victoria Alabaster had hidden it in a safe inside the house. He locates the will and prepares to burn it to erase the evidence. The Borrowers realize their fate depends on keeping the document safe.
When:Soon after Where:The Lenders' house
- 8
Arrietty and Peagreen flee with the will
Arrietty and Peagreen escape with the will, dodging Potter's attempts to stop them. They head toward safety while the Borrowers' hidden home remains under threat. The chase intensifies as Jeff is summoned to deal with the Borrowers.
When:Moments later Where:The Lenders' house
- 9
Exterminator Jeff arrives; foiling Potter's plan
Potter summons Exterminator Jeff to wipe out the Borrowers. Jeff is sprayed with caustic foam and electrocuted in the process, derailing Potter's plan. Officer Steady responds to the disturbance, but Potter evades immediate suspicion.
When:During confrontation Where:The Lenders' house
- 10
Peagreen falls into a milk bottle; chase to the dairy begins
Peagreen tumbles into an empty milk bottle and is carried to the dairy. Potter, Jeff, and Mr. Smelly the dog give chase, turning the pursuit into a full-scale hunt. The Will remains the central prize that could save or doom the Borrowers.
When:Later Where:Dairy
Show the other 4 events of The Borrowers Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Spiller guides Arrietty to the dairy; Pod rescues Peagreen
Spiller, an outie Borrower, leads Arrietty toward the dairy, while Pod rescues Peagreen from the assembly line. The Borrowers unite to safeguard the will amid the hazards of the factory. Tensions rise as the factory environment becomes a hazard.
When:After Where:Dairy
- 12
Potter captures Borrowers; Spiller is duped; the will escapes
Potter captures the Borrowers and leaves them to drown in liquid cheese. Spiller taunts him and is dropped into a machine, seemingly killed, as Potter departs with the will. The Borrowers regroup and plan a final stand.
When:Later Where:Dairy
- 13
City Hall showdown; Potter is thwarted and arrested
Jeff realizes Potter's schemes and drives to City Hall with Pete to stop the demolition. The City Hall clerk's long and confusing directions delay Potter, giving the heroes a chance to act. Potter is eventually confronted, locked in a supply room, and thwarted.
When:Evening Where:City Hall
- 14
Final reunion; the house is saved
Potter is arrested after Pete shows Officer Steady the will. The Lenders move back into their home and the Clocks settle in, aided by Pete. Arrietty and Spiller ride on Spiller's aerosol-propelled roller skate in a playful closing image, while the scene ends with Potter's mugshots.
When:Post-resolution Where:City police station and Lenders' house
Who Are the Main Characters in The Borrowers?
6 characters, among them Pod Clock — Jim Broadbent, Arrietty Clock — Flora Newbigin and Peagreen Clock — Tom Felton: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Pod Clock — Jim Broadbent
Played by Jim Broadbent
Patriarch of the Borrowers, Pod is cautious yet fiercely protective of his family. He leads with practical wisdom and steady problem-solving, managing the delicate balance between hiding from humans and preserving their home. His concern for Arrietty and Peagreen drives many of the family’s brave decisions.
- 🏠 Protective
- 🧠 Clever
- 👨👩👦 Family-focused
- AC
Arrietty Clock — Flora Newbigin
Played by Flora Newbigin
Curious and fearless, Arrietty often pushes beyond the clock family’s limits to explore the human world. She forms a bond with Pete, showing empathy and courage despite danger. Her boldness often catalyzes key turning points in the plot.
- 🗺️ Curious
- 💫 Bold
- 🧭 Adventurous
-
Peagreen Clock — Tom Felton
Played by Tom Felton
The younger Clock child, Peagreen is cautious but resourceful, learning the ropes of Borrower life. His playful nature often belies an ability to stay calm under pressure, contributing to the group’s survival.
- 🧭 Curious
- 🛡️ Loyal
- 🧰 Quick-thinking
- PL
Pete Lender — Bradley Pierce
Played by Bradley Pierce
A kind-hearted human ally who believes in the Borrowers, Pete helps hide the will and assists in their escape. His courage grows as he defies the threat posed by Potter, becoming a bridge between the Borrowers and the Lenders.
- 🤝 Bridge-builder
- 🛡️ Loyal
- 🧠 Problem-solver
-
Ocious P. Potter — John Goodman
Played by John Goodman
The scheming lawyer who aims to demolish the Borrowers’ home to build condominiums. He manipulates the will and uses bureaucratic power to pursue his own gain, only to be undone by the Borrowers’ ingenuity and bravado.
- 💼 Conniving
- 🧭 Manipulative
- 🏛️ Bureaucratic
-
Exterminator Jeff — Mark Williams
Played by Mark Williams
A formidable antagonist who initially serves Potter but experiences a change of heart. His practical enforcement role drives the chase and ultimately helps orchestrate the Borrowers’ rescue.
- 🧰 Practical
- 🛡️ Loyal
- 🗺️ Reluctant ally
Where and When Is The Borrowers Set?
The Borrowers is set in Lenders' home, City Hall and Dairy (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The story unfolds in a modern suburban setting, with the family home under threat of demolition and a community-driven response. Scenes move between a family house, city offices, and everyday locales like a dairy, reflecting a late 20th-century vibe. The time frame emphasizes present-day technology, bureaucracy, and ordinary life under pressure.
Where
Lenders' home, City Hall, Dairy
The action centers on the Lenders' suburban home where the Borrowers secretly live beneath the floorboards. The plot expands to the City Hall bureaucracy as Potter schemes to demolish the house, and to the local dairy where the Clock family flees. The setting blends everyday domestic life with municipal power and small-town industry.
- 🏠 Domestic life
- 🏛 Bureaucracy
- 🥛 Dairy & industry
What Are the Themes of The Borrowers?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Home & Belonging, Power & Exploitation and Courage & Alliance.
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01
Home & Belonging
The Borrowers’ persistence shows that home is more than walls—it’s a living community and a sense of identity. The battle to stay in their house against developers highlights shelter and belonging as core needs. Small allies and clever fixes reinforce that even the tiniest residents deserve a place to call home.
-
02
Power & Exploitation
Potter embodies how power can corrupt, using legal maneuvering to seize a home for profit. The plot pits bureaucratic ambition against moral justice, culminating in a rescue that preserves rightful ownership. The narrative critiques predatory development and manipulation of documents.
-
03
Courage & Alliance
Bravery arises from unlikely bonds between humans and Borrowers. Pete and the Clock family team up to thwart Potter, demonstrating that trust and solidarity can overcome overwhelming odds. Small acts of courage propel the plot and protect their shared home.
-
04
Ingenuity & Resourcefulness
Borrowers rely on inventive ingenuity, repurposing everyday items to stay hidden and safe. Their quick thinking turns mundane objects into tools for survival, proving that creativity can level the playing field against larger threats. The theme celebrates how resourcefulness sustains a community under pressure.
What Kind of Film Is The Borrowers?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, whimsical family adventure filled with miniature-scale peril and inventive escapes, centered on the bond between a tiny family and their human ally against a cartoonishly greedy villain.
- whimsical
- adventurous
- hopeful
- cozy
- tense
- playful
- family bond
- survival
- resourcefulness
- corruption
Content notes: child endangerment, threatened extermination.
Quiz
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