The Line Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Line Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 31, 2024

There have been several cinematic examinations of fraternity life over the last decade (including “Haze,” “Goat,” “Pledge” and “Burning Sands”), with most putting emphasis on the violence of hazing and how it connects to the college experience for some intimately involved in the process. “The Line” inspects such ugliness and physical harm, but there’s more to the endeavor than a simple show of cruelty in the name of brotherhood. Co- writer/director Ethan Berger looks to delve a little deeper into frat house life, following one young man’s experience with routine and isolation as he tries to achieve a brighter future through connections, not necessarily relationships. “The Line” doesn’t go to expected places until the final act, leaving the rest of the feature an intense, interesting character study about denial, supported by a cast immersing themselves in complex parts.

Tom (Alex Wolff) is beginning his sophomore year at Sumter University, keeping his distance from academics as he devotes himself full time to the Kappa Nu Alpha fraternity. He’s a rising star in the house, with senior Todd (Lewis Pullman) beginning to understand his leadership potential, demanding more from the young man as new pledges arrive at the frat house. Tom wants acceptance, but he’s held back some by his roommate, Mitch (Bo Mitchell), the son of a powerful KNA graduate (John Malkovich) who struggles with behavior issues, relying on his privilege to get by. Joining the new class of pledges is Gettys (Austin Abrams), a promising choice who’s not easily broken by the system, and Mitch immediately grows hostile to the confident arrival. As Tom helps to break in the newcomers, he tries to downplay Mitch’s mental issues. He also finds a distraction in Annabelle (Halle Bailey), a classmate he’s attracted to, trying to capture the intelligent woman’s attention while dealing with his aggressive brothers in the frat.

“The Line” is set in 2014, and Tom is preparing to start a new year at Sumter. He’s ready to leave his mother (Cheri Oteri) behind for days at KNA, initially feeling the wave of camaraderie return when he arrives on campus, including his reunion with Mitch. The party begins immediately, as Mitch busts out drugs and drink, while Tom slips into his KNA persona, lowering his voice and steeling his attitude, while language is all cursing -- the official language of the fraternity. A story isn’t prioritized in “The Line,” with Berger more invested in creating an experience for viewers, giving them a clear view of the frat system and its participants, which includes Todd, a weary leader looking to Tom to carry some of the load as a new class of pledges arrives. They’re here to join KNA, following a reputation of “relationships” that’s kept Tom a loyal brother clinging to big dreams of opportunity.

Mitch is a problem. The writing creates an outsider in possession of insider access, as the young man is connected, wealthy, and a legacy, keeping him in play when everyone else wants to ignore him. Tom remains a friend, but he’s outgrown Mitch, especially when Gettys arrives on the scene seeking a spot at KNA. The pledge is outspoken and intelligent, unafraid to deny Mitch his power, which makes him an enemy. “The Line” follows the tension created between the two men, with Tom caught in the middle, trying to concentrate on his own rise in the frat. There’s new leadership at school as well, cracking down on hazing for the problematic organization, and suspense is generated with Gettys’s awareness of boundaries, sending Mitch into depression. The writing also tries to make time for Annabelle, a bright person who challenges Tom on his practiced crudeness, though she remains elusive.

The Line Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation deals with the murky moods of "The Line," as cinematography finds some stretches of darkness to detail frat intimidation and violence. Delineation survives for the most part, exploring limited lighting and black outfits, preserving frame information. Detail is strong, exploring various faces on the cast and stages of wear and tear. Costuming is fibrous. Interiors maintain dimension, preserving the depths of the frat house and other domestic locations. Exteriors around the campus are deep. Color is steady, with a darker palette befitting the tone of the feature. Deeper reds and blues are appreciable, along with stylish lighting efforts. Skin tones are natural.

The Line Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix secures clear dialogue exchanges, following the action into cavernous rooms and heated arguments, losing nothing to distortive extremes. Soundtrack selections provide atmosphere, filling the surrounds with loud electropop, following room tone in intensity. Instrumentation is clear, and low-end is acceptable, handling beats and harder hits of violence. Atmospherics deliver group activity and hazing chaos.

The Line Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features co-writer/director Ethan Berger.

• Deleted Scenes (3:33, HD) are offered, supplying more time with Mitch and his brewing resentment and isolation. And there's a moment of conversational intimacy between Tom and Annabelle.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:33, HD) is included.

The Line Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Line" unearths a point of crisis later in the film as members of the frat conduct business off-site, finding a "retreat" turning into a problem for all. There are visceral confrontations to observe, and rising hostility is capably performed by the cast. However, there's a more compelling study of panic in Tom, who's gradually confronted by his mistakes, left with no emotional connections despite being surrounded by "brothers." Wolff gets to the core of this confusion, and Berger skillfully develops the arc, finding ways to explore the performative aspects of the character and his true self buried deep within. "The Line" certainly has a familiar conclusion, but instead of closing the feature on a note of rage, Berger aims elsewhere, more interested in the ways of privilege and class, giving the picture a richer emotional atmosphere.