A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is a 1996 American comedy thriller film starring and directed by Martin Lawrence in his feature film directorial debut. It tells the story of Darnell Wright (Lawrence), a ladies' man who finds himself stalked by one of his obsessed lovers: Brandi (Lynn Whitfield), an attractive and successful, but unstable older realtor businesswoman.
Along with directing and starring in the film, Lawrence co-wrote the screenplay alongside Kenny Buford, Bentley Kyle Evans and Kim Bass. Released on April 3, 1996, the film grossed over $34 million at the box office against a budget of $8 million. As of 2025, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is the only film that Lawrence has ever directed.
Plot
Darnell Wright, a playboy and nightclub manager at Chocolate City, is known for trading VIP access for favors from women, despite harboring lingering feelings for his childhood sweetheart, Mia. Ambitious and self-assured, Darnell aspires to become a co-owner of the club.
When Brandi Web, a wealthy and enigmatic woman, enters the club, Darnell sees her as a challenge and begins to pursue her romantically. Though she initially rejects him, he eventually wins her over. As their relationship deepens, Darnell realizes he is truly in love with Mia and ends things with Brandi.
Brandi does not take the rejection well and becomes dangerously obsessed. Her behavior escalates from stalking Darnell to damaging his property, fabricating a domestic abuse incident, and ultimately threatening Mia’s life. Despite Darnell breaking off contact and attempting to protect Mia, Brandi’s fixation intensifies.
The conflict culminates in a violent confrontation in which Brandi, Darnell, and Mia fall from a window into a pool during a struggle over a firearm. Darnell survives the ordeal and awakens in the hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He resolves to change his ways and build a future with Mia. Brandi is arrested and imprisoned, and Darnell reflects on the experience as a painful but necessary turning point in his life.
The plot of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate was influenced by Boomerang and Fatal Attraction.[2] The opening sequence, depicting Darnell lying unconscious and fully clothed face down in a swimming pool while narrating the events that led him to there, was influenced by Billy Wilder's 1950 film Sunset Boulevard.[3][4][5][6] The film has been classified as a comedy thriller.[4][7][8]
Reception
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate grossed $34,873,513 at the box office against a budget of $8 million.[1]
The critical reception of the film was mostly negative. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a 15% rating based on 26 reviews.[9]
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