The Line (2023 film)

Last updated
The Line
Directed byEthan Berger
Written byEthan Berger
Zack Purdo
Alex Russek
Produced byAlexandre Dauman
Jack Parker
Adam Paulsen
Lije Sarki
Starring
CinematographyStefan Weinberger
Edited byTed Feldman
Music by Daniel Rossen
Production
companies
  • 1993
  • Big Cat Productions
  • The Brand Productions
  • Valparaiso Pictures
Distributed by Utopia
Release dates
  • June 9, 2023 (2023-06-09)(Tribeca)
  • October 18, 2024 (2024-10-18)(United States)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$37,774 [1] [2]

The Line is a 2023 American drama film directed by Ethan Berger, written by Berger, Alex Russek and Zack Purdo, and starring Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Austin Abrams, Angus Cloud, Bo Mitchell, Denise Richards, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy and John Malkovich. This was the final film released during Cloud's lifetime before his death on July 31, 2023.

Contents

Premise

Tom, a passionate 'brother' of his fraternity, is charmed by the promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors. But as a classmate outside of his social circle named Annabelle enters his life, his devotion begins to falter. Once the scheduled hazing of new fraternity members comes to a disturbing head, Tom is faced with the decision of a lifetime.

Cast

Production

In March 2019, it was announced that Wolff would star in the film along with Malkovich, McNairy, Jessica Barden and Pullman. [3] [4]

Release

The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 9, 2023. [5] In May 2024, Utopia acquired distribution rights to the film [6] and scheduled it for a select release on October 18, 2024, before expanding on October 23, 2024. [7]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 78% of 45 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7/10. [8]

Taylor Gates of Collider graded the film a B+ and wrote, "It’s a sophisticated commentary wrapped up in a beer-soaked package and is sure to linger with you long after the credits roll." [9]

Murtada Efadl of Variety gave the film a positive review and wrote, "As Tom’s world crumbles, Wolff adapts his performance, which becomes more raw, adding sensitivity and disillusionment." [10]

Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter also gave the film a positive review and wrote, "Enthralling even when it doesn't go deep." [11]

Samantha Bergeson of IndieWire graded the film an A−, calling it "absolutely one of the most accurate films about fraternity life ever made." [12]

Chad Collins of Dread Central awarded the film four stars out of five, calling it a "terrifying debut from director Ethan Berger." [13]

Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood also gave the film a positive review and wrote, "The deck is stacked in The Line, but the ultimate message (which is you are best to steer clear of the frat world at all costs) comes through loud and clear." [14]

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References

  1. ↑ "The Line – Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  2. ↑ "The Line". Box Office Mojo . Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  3. ↑ Hipes, Patrick (March 26, 2019). "Alex Wolff To Star In Thriller 'The Line'; John Malkovich, Scoot McNairy Also Aboard". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  4. ↑ Galuppo, Mia (March 26, 2019). "Alex Wolff to Star in Thriller 'The Line'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  5. ↑ Lattanzio, Ryan (June 8, 2023). "Alex Wolff Went Method for Fraternity Hazing Thriller 'The Line' — Tribeca First Look". IndieWire. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  6. ↑ Kay, Jeremy (May 8, 2024). "Utopia secures world rights ahead of Cannes on fraternity drama 'The Line' with Alex Wolff, Halle Bailey (exclusive)". Screen International . Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Halle Bailey Stars In Trailer For Thriller Film 'The Line' With Alex Wolff And Angus Cloud". Yahoo Entertainment. August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  8. ↑ "The Line". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  9. ↑ Gates, Taylor (June 10, 2023). "'The Line' Review: A Chilling, Nuanced Look at Fraternity Culture; Tribeca 2023". Collider. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  10. ↑ Efadl, Murtada (June 10, 2023). "'The Line' Review: Alex Wolff Finds Himself Torn as Things Go Awry Inside a College Fraternity". Variety. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  11. ↑ Gyarkye, Lovia (June 12, 2023). "'The Line' Review: Alex Wolff and Halle Bailey Star in a Compellingly Sinister Campus Thriller". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  12. ↑ Bergeson, Samantha (June 9, 2023). "'The Line' Review: Alex Wolff Transforms for Fraternity Thriller Rooted in Toxic Male Group-Think". IndieWire. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  13. ↑ Collins, Chad (June 14, 2023). "Boys Will Be Boys in 'The Line' [Tribeca 2023 Review]". Dread Central. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  14. ↑ Hammond, Pete (June 11, 2023). "'The Line' Review: Alex Wolff And Halle Bailey In College Drama That Ought To Turn You Off Frat Packs Forever – Tribeca Film Festival". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
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