The Line

A provocative, damning and necessary exposé on the culture of Greek Life. This film blends artful and intimate cinematography with boisterous dialogue to deliver a chaotic and intense portrayal of fraternity pledging. While the film only scratches the surface of the characters' humanity, the protagonist's retrograde unraveling serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of toxic masculinity, binge drinking, and herd mentality. The director does not offer an easy resolution, taking the audience on a journey into the depths of alcoholism with no glimpse of redemption for its pawns; this film demands serious conversation.

This movie started on an average note & continued to be predictable until the last third, where it seemed to hop & skip forward, omitting a lot of pertinent information, leaving the watcher with the feeling of...huh?...why would they/why didn't they....?what happened to....? Why did(or didn't)....? Etc. The poor editing definitely messed w the timing, made it unbelievable because of stupid things put in to purely wrap things up & ended the movie in a way that made me feel unsatisfied. There were characters that didn't add anything in the end so it felt like those storylines just walked off a cliff and other characters never gave you a full picture of how they were affected, grew or changed in the end. It just felt incomplete, like some pages were missing between the climax and the ending.

I generally don't enjoy intense movies as they make me anxious this movie I have to say was an exception. The acting, direction and sound effects were absolutely brilliant. The characters are complex and their journey is well crafted. The cinematography is crisp and movie has a quick pace and stays with you days after you watch it. The film talks about important issues surrounding frat culture including racism, toxic masculinity and homophobia etc. While not being preachy or holier than thou. I would watch this movie again and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys movies that make you think.

The Line offers an intense portrayal of fraternity culture, examining toxic masculinity and power dynamics within a fictional brotherhood. Berger's direction takes a very thoughtful, anthropological approach, vividly capturing the rituals and environment of Kappa Nu Alpha. Through authentic, immersive details, the film effectively conveys a sense of unease and realism. While its themes may not be entirely new, the depth and seriousness of its execution make it both compelling and unsettling. The movie challenges viewers to reflect on how traditions and unchecked behaviors can perpetuate cycles of harm and complicity.

The Line brings forward an incredibly important topic that for so long felt taboo to discuss. As someone who spent formative years surrounded by people who were active in Greek Life, The Line tackles the toxic masculinity that is inherently built in to this centuries old "tradition". A tradition that should be fully audited and question about its place in the lives of such a formative aged participants. The performances are excellent across the board, with Alex Wolff (a raw nerve), Lewis Pullman (slimy and likable all at once), Bo Mitchell (a paragon of fragile masculinity), Hailie Berry (wonderfully defiant) and Angus Cloud (a truly tragic character) all doing what they do best, expertly directed and beautifully shot.