The Line (2023)

Themes & Tone

• Toxic Masculinity & Tradition: A clinical, anthropological dissection of frat culture’s dark core .

• Class & Privilege: Tom’s working-class roots clash with legacy brothers, exposing unsettling power dynamics.

• Psychological Thriller Atmosphere: Moody cinematography and disquieting tension make this feel more like psychological horror than college comedy.

Performance & Reception

• Alex Wolff: Carries the film with a layered portrayal of rising unease and moral conflict .

• Supporting Cast: Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Austin Abrams, and Angus Cloud provide depth and authenticity.

Critics generally responded positively:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (critics), 85% (audience)

• Richard Roeper (Chicago Sun‑Times): “Propulsively brutal cautionary tale.”

• RogerEbert.com: 3/4 – compelling for performances and dark humor

• Collider & Variety: Highlighted depth, nuance, and complexity in its portrayal of frat culture.

Some critics found the climax predictable, but agreed the film’s unsettling tone and grounded realism made it stand out.

Why It Matters

• Cultural Relevance: Taps into real-world concerns about hazing, fraternity violence, and entitlement.

• Debut Feature: A strong display from Ethan Berger, mixing ethnographic detail with thriller pacing.

• Legacy: Delivers a cautionary, haunting portrait—not just another college drama.

In Summary

The Line is a haunting dissection of fraternity culture, grounded in stellar performances, slow‑burn tension, and a critical eye toward privilege and tradition. It’s gripping, unsettling, and highly resonant for anyone interested in the underside of college loyalty—and the price you pay when you toe the line.