There’s a micro and a macro narrative at work in writer/director Ethan Berger’s fraternity thriller The Line. On one hand, it’s a small-scale drama about Tom Backster (Alex Wolff), a promising young man who begins to question his involvement in a fraternity at prestigious Sumter College. On the grand scale, it’s a scathing indictment of how fraternities – the gateway to influence, success, and politics – are toxic, hypocritical, and ultimately dangerous.
When the film opens, Tom has a reassuring final breakfast with his concerned mother (Cheri Oteri) before heading off to sophomore year. He’s excited about living in the Kna fraternity, reuniting with his loud and boisterous best friend Mitch (Cobra Kai’s Bo Mitchell), and maybe stepping into the shoes of frat president Todd (Salem’s Lot‘s Lewis Pullman).
Things almost immediately go awry when Mitch develops an antagonistic relationship with a pledge...
When the film opens, Tom has a reassuring final breakfast with his concerned mother (Cheri Oteri) before heading off to sophomore year. He’s excited about living in the Kna fraternity, reuniting with his loud and boisterous best friend Mitch (Cobra Kai’s Bo Mitchell), and maybe stepping into the shoes of frat president Todd (Salem’s Lot‘s Lewis Pullman).
Things almost immediately go awry when Mitch develops an antagonistic relationship with a pledge...
- 10/24/2024
- by Joe Lipsett
- bloody-disgusting.com
Ethan Berger’s debut film The Line shines a light on fraternity culture from the inside. We follow sophomore Tom Baxter through his second year as a member of the fictional Kappa Nu Alpha brotherhood. All seems well until the arrival of a new pledge named Gettys, whose cocky attitude threatens to upset the delicate status quo.
As a writer-director who extensively researched the Greek system, Berger aims to offer an authentic perspective on both the compelling bonds of brotherhood as well as some of the more troubling behaviors that can fester within these walls. Through a tightly crafted script and strong performances, he examines how this environment fosters toxic masculinity, class divisions, and the empty promises of prestige that pressure young men to conform.
The intensity builds from the frat house basement up, pulling viewers deep into this secretive world. We watch characters wrestle with loyalty against conscience as...
As a writer-director who extensively researched the Greek system, Berger aims to offer an authentic perspective on both the compelling bonds of brotherhood as well as some of the more troubling behaviors that can fester within these walls. Through a tightly crafted script and strong performances, he examines how this environment fosters toxic masculinity, class divisions, and the empty promises of prestige that pressure young men to conform.
The intensity builds from the frat house basement up, pulling viewers deep into this secretive world. We watch characters wrestle with loyalty against conscience as...
- 10/19/2024
- by Shahrbanoo Golmohamadi
- Gazettely
Since his star-making role in Ari Aster’s Hereditary, Alex Wolff has crafted a remarkably entertaining filmography, with almost a dozen excellent, challenging performances from Pig to Oppenheimer under his belt before he turned 27. Ethan Berger’s directorial debut, The Line, puts Wolff in another great, albeit understated, role with his look at life in a fraternity.
The Line Review
Tom (Alex Wolff) has fully adopted the persona of a traditional frat guy at an unnamed Alabama university. He’s a reticent frat brother who follows whatever his brothers want of him. As a new rush class comes in, he’s torn between his moral compass as his fellow brothers (Top Gun: Maverick’s Lewis Pullman and Bo Mitchell) aggressively haze an incoming pledge (Austin Abrams).
When tensions rise surrounding the abuse that the potential new frat brothers are facing, Tom meets a confident peer (Halle Bailey) who begins to shift his worldview.
The Line Review
Tom (Alex Wolff) has fully adopted the persona of a traditional frat guy at an unnamed Alabama university. He’s a reticent frat brother who follows whatever his brothers want of him. As a new rush class comes in, he’s torn between his moral compass as his fellow brothers (Top Gun: Maverick’s Lewis Pullman and Bo Mitchell) aggressively haze an incoming pledge (Austin Abrams).
When tensions rise surrounding the abuse that the potential new frat brothers are facing, Tom meets a confident peer (Halle Bailey) who begins to shift his worldview.
- 10/19/2024
- by Cole Groth
- FandomWire
The Line is unpleasant. But then it should be, shouldn’t it? Written by Ethan Berger and Alex Russek and directed by Berger in his feature debut, this is a film about a college fraternity and all of the horrible sins committed in the name of tradition and brotherhood. Alex Wolff stars as Tom, a sophomore with bad grades but a good reputation among his fraternity, Kna. Their president, Todd, has Tom pegged as his replacement. The film takes place during the pledge period in which a new batch of freshmen are tortured and tested so that they might earn the privilege of joining Kna.
One pledge stands out: Gettys (Austin Abrams), a handsome young man with an ego and attitude. Tom’s roommate and frat brother Mitch (Bo Mitchell) quickly hates Gettys. The feeling is mutual. Unfortunately, Todd takes Gettys under his wing, quick to explain to Tom that...
One pledge stands out: Gettys (Austin Abrams), a handsome young man with an ego and attitude. Tom’s roommate and frat brother Mitch (Bo Mitchell) quickly hates Gettys. The feeling is mutual. Unfortunately, Todd takes Gettys under his wing, quick to explain to Tom that...
- 10/18/2024
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Plot: Tom is a scholarship student desperate to break free from his working-class background. He is charmed by the prestigious Kna fraternity’s promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors. But upon beginning a romance with Annabelle, a classmate outside of his social circle, and the manipulative schemes of his fraternity president unfolding during the hazing of new members, Tom finds himself ensnared in a perilous game of ambition and loyalty.
Review: Few cultures have proven as toxic as fraternities and sororities. Over the years, hazing has transformed from comedy fodder in films like Animal House and Revenge of the Nerds to the notorious stuff of headline news. Countless frats across the United States have been shuttered due to criminal activity that has resulted in jail time and even deaths. The Line is a story that is a damning indictment of frat life and the personalities...
Review: Few cultures have proven as toxic as fraternities and sororities. Over the years, hazing has transformed from comedy fodder in films like Animal House and Revenge of the Nerds to the notorious stuff of headline news. Countless frats across the United States have been shuttered due to criminal activity that has resulted in jail time and even deaths. The Line is a story that is a damning indictment of frat life and the personalities...
- 10/18/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Alex Wolff recognized himself in “The Line” — or rather, what any American man could be.
The actor leads writer/director Ethan Berger’s feature debut as a college scholarship student who tries to assimilate by joining a frat. The critically-acclaimed film is set in 2014 and spotlights an all-star cast including Austin Abrams, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Bo Mitchell, Denise Richards, John Malkovich, and Scoot McNairy. Late “Euphoria” star Angus Cloud, who died in 2023, also gives a standout performance in one of his final roles.
“The Line” subtly captures the racism, misogyny, and entitlement that are paramount to college Greek life. But the script, which is co-written by Alex Russek, most poignantly emphasizes the frat brother-on-brother violence of hazing that mirrors the evolutionary masculine animalistic need to exert power in any way possible.
According to Wolff, that abuse of privilege is what makes “The Line” even more harrowingly resonant during an election year: Yes,...
The actor leads writer/director Ethan Berger’s feature debut as a college scholarship student who tries to assimilate by joining a frat. The critically-acclaimed film is set in 2014 and spotlights an all-star cast including Austin Abrams, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Bo Mitchell, Denise Richards, John Malkovich, and Scoot McNairy. Late “Euphoria” star Angus Cloud, who died in 2023, also gives a standout performance in one of his final roles.
“The Line” subtly captures the racism, misogyny, and entitlement that are paramount to college Greek life. But the script, which is co-written by Alex Russek, most poignantly emphasizes the frat brother-on-brother violence of hazing that mirrors the evolutionary masculine animalistic need to exert power in any way possible.
According to Wolff, that abuse of privilege is what makes “The Line” even more harrowingly resonant during an election year: Yes,...
- 10/17/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Writer-director Ethan Berger’s The Line wastes no time confirming all of our worst assumptions about Greek life. The opening credits play alongside photographs of American fraternities over the centuries, the fashions changing but the smirking white faces staying just the same. The very first interaction between Tom (Alex Wolff) and the rest of his modern-day fraternity brothers reveals them to be exactly the sort of big-mouthed, small-minded jackoffs that pop culture usually presents them as.
When Tom is with his fellow frat members, he’s all braggadocio and sexual innuendo. He even adopts an accent that his mother (Cheri Oteri) describes as a “faux Forrest Gump” in order to sound more like them. But while the other brothers are the scions of rich and powerful families—the fraternity loves to boast about how many future presidents and Fortune 500 CEOs the Kna has housed—Tom is a scholarship kid who...
When Tom is with his fellow frat members, he’s all braggadocio and sexual innuendo. He even adopts an accent that his mother (Cheri Oteri) describes as a “faux Forrest Gump” in order to sound more like them. But while the other brothers are the scions of rich and powerful families—the fraternity loves to boast about how many future presidents and Fortune 500 CEOs the Kna has housed—Tom is a scholarship kid who...
- 10/14/2024
- by Ross McIndoe
- Slant Magazine
“The Line” is a drama feature, written and directed by Ethan Berger, starring Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Austin Abrams, Angus Cloud, Bo Mitchell, Denise Richards, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy and John Malkovich, opening October 18, 2024 in theaters:
“…’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…”
Click the images to enlarge …...
“…’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…”
Click the images to enlarge …...
- 10/12/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
“The Line” is a drama feature, written and directed by Ethan Berger, starring Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Austin Abrams, Angus Cloud, Bo Mitchell, Denise Richards, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy and John Malkovich, opening October 18, 2024 in theaters:
“…’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…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…’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…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 10/2/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"Do you want to be part of a family?!?" Utopia has debuted the full official trailer for the fraternity thriller tilted The Line, which is now releasing this fall. It originally premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival last year, with stops at the Zurich & Sarastoa Film Fests. The Line is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college frats & blind adherence to tradition. Alex Wolff as Tom, a scholarship student seduced into the alluring, dangerous world of fraternities. Desperate to flee his working-class background, Tom is torn between a new romance with a classmate and the machinations of his fraternity president, becoming ensnared in a perilous game of ambition and loyalty. Wolff stars with Lewis Pullman and Halle Bailey. The Line cast also features Austin Abrams, the late Angus Cloud, Bo Mitchell, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy, Denise Richards, and John Malkovich. Looks really disturbing and unsettling, but...
- 10/2/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Ethan Berger has made his feature directorial debut with the frat house thriller The Line, which is set to reach select theatres on October 18th, with an expanded release to follow on October 25th. With those dates swiftly approaching, a red band trailer for the film has made its way online and can be seen in the embed above.
Berger wrote the screenplay with Alex Russek, crafting the following story: The Line is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college fraternities and blind adherence to tradition. Tom, a scholarship student desperate to break free from his working-class background, is charmed by the prestigious Kna fraternity’s promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors. But upon beginning a romance with Annabelle, a classmate outside of his social circle, and the manipulative schemes of his fraternity president unfolding during the hazing of new members,...
Berger wrote the screenplay with Alex Russek, crafting the following story: The Line is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college fraternities and blind adherence to tradition. Tom, a scholarship student desperate to break free from his working-class background, is charmed by the prestigious Kna fraternity’s promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors. But upon beginning a romance with Annabelle, a classmate outside of his social circle, and the manipulative schemes of his fraternity president unfolding during the hazing of new members,...
- 10/2/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Ethan Berger’s critically acclaimed narrative filmmaking debut “The Line” has had a long road to the big screen. The feature was in development for decade, with lead star and executive producer Alex Wolff eventually proving instrumental in bringing the dark fraternity thriller to the big screen. The film premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, but even with strong reviews, it wasn’t picked up by distributor Utopia until more than a year later.
Now, almost a year and a half since “The Line” first wowed audiences at Tribeca, the film is getting a national release — and should be required viewing for any college-bound kid or university alum.
Berger, who began his career as an editor before directing commercials and writing ESPN’s mini-series “More Than an Athlete,” writes and directs “The Line.” The drama is set in 2014, and centers on Tom (Wolff), a scholarship student who tries to assimilate by joining a frat.
Now, almost a year and a half since “The Line” first wowed audiences at Tribeca, the film is getting a national release — and should be required viewing for any college-bound kid or university alum.
Berger, who began his career as an editor before directing commercials and writing ESPN’s mini-series “More Than an Athlete,” writes and directs “The Line.” The drama is set in 2014, and centers on Tom (Wolff), a scholarship student who tries to assimilate by joining a frat.
- 10/2/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“The Line” is a new drama feature, written and directed by Ethan Berger, starring Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Austin Abrams, Angus Cloud, Bo Mitchell, Denise Richards, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy and John Malkovich, opening October 18, 2024 in theaters:
“…’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…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…’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…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 8/26/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Ethan Berger has made his feature directorial debut with the campus thriller The Line, which is set to reach select theatres on October 18th, with an expanded release to follow on October 23rd. With those dates swiftly approaching, a teaser trailer for the film has made its way online and can be seen in the embed above.
Berger wrote the screenplay with Alex Russek, crafting the following story: The Line is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college fraternities and blind adherence to tradition. Tom, a scholarship student desperate to break free from his working-class background, is charmed by the prestigious Kna fraternity’s promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors. But upon beginning a romance with Annabelle, a classmate outside of his social circle, and the manipulative schemes of his fraternity president unfolding during the hazing of new members, Tom finds...
Berger wrote the screenplay with Alex Russek, crafting the following story: The Line is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college fraternities and blind adherence to tradition. Tom, a scholarship student desperate to break free from his working-class background, is charmed by the prestigious Kna fraternity’s promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors. But upon beginning a romance with Annabelle, a classmate outside of his social circle, and the manipulative schemes of his fraternity president unfolding during the hazing of new members, Tom finds...
- 8/26/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
"You want to be party of the family, you go through this!" Utopia has revealed the teaser for the fraternity thriller tilted The Line, which is now releasing this fall. It originally premiered in 2023 at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, with stops at the Zurich & Sarastoa Film Festivals as well. The Line is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college frats and blind adherence to tradition. Alex Wolff as Tom, a scholarship student seduced into the alluring, dangerous world of college fraternities. Desperate to escape his working-class background, Tom is torn between a new romance with a classmate and the machinations of his fraternity president, becoming ensnared in a perilous game of ambition and loyalty. Wolff stars with Lewis Pullman and Halle Bailey. The Line cast also features Austin Abrams, the late Angus Cloud, Bo Mitchell, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy, Denise Richards, and John Malkovich.
- 8/26/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
You may feel like you’ve seen plenty of films about college fraternities before, but you’ve never seen one quite like “The Line,” being released by Utopia in select theaters on October 18, with an expansion on October 23.
Director Ethan Berger’s film is way, way more than a “problem picture” about the evils of hazing and other negative aspects of campus Greek life, nor is it a comedy in the “Animal House” mode. It’s a deeply absorbing character study about why fraternities are appealing in the first place — one that then takes quite a turn in a very suspenseful direction to become an outright thriller. Watch the teaser trailer for “The Line” above, a IndieWire exclusive, set to the sweet sound of “neggy” by Husky Loops.
In the film, Alex Wolff stars as Tom, a guy from a working class background who’s a rising force in his...
Director Ethan Berger’s film is way, way more than a “problem picture” about the evils of hazing and other negative aspects of campus Greek life, nor is it a comedy in the “Animal House” mode. It’s a deeply absorbing character study about why fraternities are appealing in the first place — one that then takes quite a turn in a very suspenseful direction to become an outright thriller. Watch the teaser trailer for “The Line” above, a IndieWire exclusive, set to the sweet sound of “neggy” by Husky Loops.
In the film, Alex Wolff stars as Tom, a guy from a working class background who’s a rising force in his...
- 8/26/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Lawmakers in Tennessee have approved a measure that permits school staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. The bill now awaits the governor’s decision. The move comes one year after a tragic shooting incident claimed the lives of six individuals at a Nashville school.
The Tennessee House passed the legislation 68-28, with four Republicans breaking ranks to join all the Democrats in opposition. The state Senate, also controlled by the GOP, had previously approved the bill.
State Rep. Ryan Williams (R) spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing school safety. In the House session, Williams stated, “I believe that this is a method by which we can do that because what you’re doing is you’re creating a deterrent.”
Under the proposed legislation, faculty and staff members who wish to carry concealed handguns on school premises must complete at least 40 hours of specialized training in school policing each year.
The Tennessee House passed the legislation 68-28, with four Republicans breaking ranks to join all the Democrats in opposition. The state Senate, also controlled by the GOP, had previously approved the bill.
State Rep. Ryan Williams (R) spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing school safety. In the House session, Williams stated, “I believe that this is a method by which we can do that because what you’re doing is you’re creating a deterrent.”
Under the proposed legislation, faculty and staff members who wish to carry concealed handguns on school premises must complete at least 40 hours of specialized training in school policing each year.
- 4/24/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
You might think “The Line” is simply a film about illuminating the bad behavior of college fraternities and their dangerous hazing practices. You’d be wrong. Yes, that is the subject matter in question, but in the hands of first-time feature director Ethan Berger it’s a richly drawn, slow-burn character study that suddenly becomes a breathless thriller.
There’s a pivotal scene that occurs almost two-thirds of the way into the movie that marks the moment that “The Line” becomes one of the great suspense movies in some time. It’s a hazing scene in which the worst possible traits of Greek Life pledging are actually just a cover for a battle of wills between two guys who hate each other: Frat brother Mitch (Bo Mitchell) and pledge Gettys (Austin Abrams). Mitch is all “Animal House” bluster but deeply insecure — with a wealthy businessman father played by an imposing...
There’s a pivotal scene that occurs almost two-thirds of the way into the movie that marks the moment that “The Line” becomes one of the great suspense movies in some time. It’s a hazing scene in which the worst possible traits of Greek Life pledging are actually just a cover for a battle of wills between two guys who hate each other: Frat brother Mitch (Bo Mitchell) and pledge Gettys (Austin Abrams). Mitch is all “Animal House” bluster but deeply insecure — with a wealthy businessman father played by an imposing...
- 4/15/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Halle Bailey Joins Kelvin Harrison Jr. In Universal’s Musical From Michel Gondry & Pharrell Williams
Halle Bailey (The Color Purple) has been tapped to star alongside Kelvin Harrison Jr. and The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Universal Pictures’ untitled coming-of-age pic from director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and producer Pharrell Williams (Hidden Figures), Deadline has learned.
Details as to Bailey’s role are under wraps. A musical set in 1977 Virginia Beach, the film draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.
Script for the film is from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and Steven Levenson. Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.
Most recently starring as Young Nettie in Warner Bros’ The Color Purple musical from director Blitz Bazawule,...
Details as to Bailey’s role are under wraps. A musical set in 1977 Virginia Beach, the film draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.
Script for the film is from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and Steven Levenson. Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.
Most recently starring as Young Nettie in Warner Bros’ The Color Purple musical from director Blitz Bazawule,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s hard not to think about Donna Tartt’s novel The Secret History while watching Ethan Berger’s feature debut, The Line. Richard Papen, the protagonist of Tartt’s crisp and propulsive novel, bears quite the resemblance to Tom (Alex Wolff), the main character of Berger’s compelling thriller. Like Richard, Tom is a scholarship student who finds himself cavorting with an elite segment of campus. The classic majors’ cabal, organized around the worship of a mysterious professor, is what pulled Richard in; Greek life, with its allure of fraternal fidelity and alumni access, is what bewitches Tom. Both characters are ashamed of their working-class roots and, in a futile attempt to fit in, mask and mock their pasts.
The Line follows Tom as he learns the same devastating lessons Richard did. Berger, who cowrote the screenplay with Alex Russek, telegraphs the tragedy early, which means we don’t...
The Line follows Tom as he learns the same devastating lessons Richard did. Berger, who cowrote the screenplay with Alex Russek, telegraphs the tragedy early, which means we don’t...
- 6/12/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There have been plenty of movies detailing life in a fraternity — Animal House being the crown jewel of all, no matter how outrageously funny. The newest entry in the genre, The Line, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival this weekend, is not trying to amuse on any level; a deadly serious take on college frat houses, it looks like it was ripped straight from the many headlines about hazing deaths and horrific goings-on at these places.
However, for at least its first half to first two thirds, this feature film debut for director Ethan Berger (who also co-wrote the script with Alex Russek) is aiming to entertain with a look at the fictional southern Kappa Nu Alpha fraternity in all its vile, sick, crass ugliness. If the goal was to make us hate these guys, the filmmakers succeed admirably. By the end I wanted see every last one of them...
However, for at least its first half to first two thirds, this feature film debut for director Ethan Berger (who also co-wrote the script with Alex Russek) is aiming to entertain with a look at the fictional southern Kappa Nu Alpha fraternity in all its vile, sick, crass ugliness. If the goal was to make us hate these guys, the filmmakers succeed admirably. By the end I wanted see every last one of them...
- 6/11/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Set within a typically raucous fraternity at a fictional college, Ethan Berger’s “The Line” foretells where it’s headed early on when the school administrator warns of repercussions if a hazing is performed. Consider Chekhov’s gun cocked from that point: Audiences can guess what awaits, though the lead-up to the inevitable is lively and compelling, while also affording a slew of rising actors a chance to display their talent.
Written by Berger and Alex Russek, “The Line” focuses on Tom (Alex Wolff), a sophomore striving to overcome his impoverished background who believes that belonging to a fraternity is a chance for opportunities and connections. Things look promising when he’s picked by the fraternity’s president, Todd (Lewis Pullman), as a potential successor. He starts seeing an attractive fellow student (Halle Bailey). But trouble starts when a new pledge, Gettys (Austin Abrams), decides to make an enemy of Tom’s best friend,...
Written by Berger and Alex Russek, “The Line” focuses on Tom (Alex Wolff), a sophomore striving to overcome his impoverished background who believes that belonging to a fraternity is a chance for opportunities and connections. Things look promising when he’s picked by the fraternity’s president, Todd (Lewis Pullman), as a potential successor. He starts seeing an attractive fellow student (Halle Bailey). But trouble starts when a new pledge, Gettys (Austin Abrams), decides to make an enemy of Tom’s best friend,...
- 6/10/2023
- by Murtada Elfadl
- Variety Film + TV
Editor’s Note: This review was originally published during the 2023 Tribeca Festival. Utopia opens “The Line” in theaters Friday, October 18.
All for one and one for all — so long as the hierarchy of class, race, and wealth stays in line. Filmmaker Ethan Berger’s feature narrative debut “The Line” premiered at 2023 Tribeca is absolutely one of the most accurate films about fraternity life ever made. Why? Well, aside from the homophobic jokes, competitive tension between brothers, and the racist response to non-conforming female love interests, the casting feels more like a documentary than a scripted fictional feature.
Berger, who cowrote the script with Alex Russek after years of research into Greek life, directs lead star Alex Wolff who went full Method acting to portray Tom, a working student who has second thoughts about his roommate Mitch’s (Bo Mitchell) obsession with mouthy pledge Gettys (Austin Abrams). Tom tells his mother...
All for one and one for all — so long as the hierarchy of class, race, and wealth stays in line. Filmmaker Ethan Berger’s feature narrative debut “The Line” premiered at 2023 Tribeca is absolutely one of the most accurate films about fraternity life ever made. Why? Well, aside from the homophobic jokes, competitive tension between brothers, and the racist response to non-conforming female love interests, the casting feels more like a documentary than a scripted fictional feature.
Berger, who cowrote the script with Alex Russek after years of research into Greek life, directs lead star Alex Wolff who went full Method acting to portray Tom, a working student who has second thoughts about his roommate Mitch’s (Bo Mitchell) obsession with mouthy pledge Gettys (Austin Abrams). Tom tells his mother...
- 6/10/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Men screaming songs together joyfully, the elation bursting forth from chapped lips, bloodshot eyes, camouflaged cheeks and the strength of brute force. That is how Ethan Berger’s “The Line” greets its audience, rip-raring and ready to go in the spirit of brotherhood, camaraderie, and community, the kind that can make or break a soul too delicate for the molding.
In this new look into the dedication to the fraternity lifestyle, tradition is warped and tainted into something treacherous and wrong—and much of that tonal excellence is achieved by Berger’s top-notch cast, an ensemble led by the enigmatic and skilled Alex Wolff.
“The Line” follows Wolff’s Tom, a Southern college student who takes the foundations of brotherhood seriously within his frat, Kappa nu Alpha, or as they affectionately call it: KnA. With that comes the promise of social equity and connections throughout their post-college life, so it...
In this new look into the dedication to the fraternity lifestyle, tradition is warped and tainted into something treacherous and wrong—and much of that tonal excellence is achieved by Berger’s top-notch cast, an ensemble led by the enigmatic and skilled Alex Wolff.
“The Line” follows Wolff’s Tom, a Southern college student who takes the foundations of brotherhood seriously within his frat, Kappa nu Alpha, or as they affectionately call it: KnA. With that comes the promise of social equity and connections throughout their post-college life, so it...
- 6/10/2023
- by Lex Briscuso
- The Wrap
“The Line” takes a hard, lean look at a crisis plaguing headlines every year: the horrors behind the scenes of hazing at college fraternities.
In the stylish and convincingly acted drama premiering this week out of Tribeca Festival’s Spotlight Narrative lineup, “Hereditary” star and filmmaker himself Alex Wolff plays Tom, a devoted indoctrinee of a fictional fraternity happy to play along with his brotherhood’s disturbing hazing practices and its culture of foundationally toxic masculinity. Greek Row is notorious for its horrifying initiation tactics, and director/co-writer Ethan Berger (who penned the script with Alex Russek) doesn’t shy away from the casual racism, sexism, homophobia, and trauma playing out on universities’ never-too-far outskirts.
IndieWire spoke with Berger about the film and debuts an exclusive clip featuring “Hereditary” breakout Wolff, whom Berger revealed went Method to play this character by embedding himself in fraternity culture in pre-production. Wolff signed...
In the stylish and convincingly acted drama premiering this week out of Tribeca Festival’s Spotlight Narrative lineup, “Hereditary” star and filmmaker himself Alex Wolff plays Tom, a devoted indoctrinee of a fictional fraternity happy to play along with his brotherhood’s disturbing hazing practices and its culture of foundationally toxic masculinity. Greek Row is notorious for its horrifying initiation tactics, and director/co-writer Ethan Berger (who penned the script with Alex Russek) doesn’t shy away from the casual racism, sexism, homophobia, and trauma playing out on universities’ never-too-far outskirts.
IndieWire spoke with Berger about the film and debuts an exclusive clip featuring “Hereditary” breakout Wolff, whom Berger revealed went Method to play this character by embedding himself in fraternity culture in pre-production. Wolff signed...
- 6/8/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Marijuana remains illegal in the state of Tennessee, where presently only low-thc products skirt the state’s confusing and hyper-restrictive laws. But that nugget didn’t stop legislators from making a country song about a Vietnam veteran who takes up pot farming Tennessee’s newest state song. That this all happened on 4/20 — the national holiday of weed smoking — is the chef’s kiss.
Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road,” the title track of his 1988 album, now joins 10 other songs as anthems of the Volunteer State, including “When It’s Iris Time...
Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road,” the title track of his 1988 album, now joins 10 other songs as anthems of the Volunteer State, including “When It’s Iris Time...
- 4/20/2023
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Fezco, is that really you? Fans of Euphoria are used to seeing Angus Cloud in a beard and streetwear. But for his upcoming role in The Line, the actor appears to have gotten rid of the scruff in favor of a clean-shaven look. On Feb. 1, Alex Wolff showcased his co-star's transformation in behind-the-scenes photos from the set of their upcoming movie, which also features Halle Bailey and Bo Mitchell. "The Line will be a profoundly nuanced portrait of a young man being sucked into this seemingly glamorous, rambunctious and familial unit," Alex previously said in a statement to Deadline. "Its heartbreak echoes a larger issue with men and their painful need for approval, love...
- 2/2/2022
- E! Online
MaryAnn’s quick take… My pick: I think the quietly shocking “DeKalb Elementary” [pictured] may win for its very of-the-moment story about a school office worker’s attempt to de-escalate an invading gunman’s rage via patience and empathy. I’m “biast” (pro): nothing
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
The power of film to move the needle on contentious topics of cultural debate could not possibly be on better display in the films nominated for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short… unless all five of them, instead of merely four, tackled serious matters with such social-justice-warrior ferocity. The one outlier here, though, is a very welcome light distraction.
The nominated films these year are all so strong that it’s difficult to pick an indisputable front-runner. But I think the quietly shocking “DeKalb Elementary” [IMDb|official site], by writer-director Reed Van Dyk,...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
The power of film to move the needle on contentious topics of cultural debate could not possibly be on better display in the films nominated for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short… unless all five of them, instead of merely four, tackled serious matters with such social-justice-warrior ferocity. The one outlier here, though, is a very welcome light distraction.
The nominated films these year are all so strong that it’s difficult to pick an indisputable front-runner. But I think the quietly shocking “DeKalb Elementary” [IMDb|official site], by writer-director Reed Van Dyk,...
- 3/4/2018
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
As the gun control debate rages on in wake of last month’s tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the Oscar nominated live-action short DeKalb Elementary couldn’t be more relevant.
The film, written and directed by Reed Van Dyk, depicts the mass school shooting that wasn’t — it’s based on a 911 call from a 2013 incident in which Antoinette Tuff, an Atlanta elementary school bookkeeper, was able to convince 20-year-old gunman Michael B. Hall to put down his weapon and surrender to police.
“The thing that I keep getting struck by was that it...
The film, written and directed by Reed Van Dyk, depicts the mass school shooting that wasn’t — it’s based on a 911 call from a 2013 incident in which Antoinette Tuff, an Atlanta elementary school bookkeeper, was able to convince 20-year-old gunman Michael B. Hall to put down his weapon and surrender to police.
“The thing that I keep getting struck by was that it...
- 3/3/2018
- by Brianne Tracy
- PEOPLE.com
What is it like to be face to face with a person who could potentially end your life? In “DeKalb Elementary,” director Reed Van Dyk draws from a real life event to showcase this experience. His film is one of this year’s nominees at the Oscars for Best Live Action Short and marks his first Academy Awards bid.
The film takes place in the front office of an elementary school in Georgia. A receptionist, Cassandra, is going about her normal business when a young man in his twenties, Steven, enters the office. He proceeds to take out an Ak-47 and tells the staff in the office to evacuate the school. He also takes Cassandra hostage and instructs her to call 911 and relay his messages to the operator. As she communicates with the dispatcher and the police arrive on the scene, Steven paces around unsure of himself. He opens a...
The film takes place in the front office of an elementary school in Georgia. A receptionist, Cassandra, is going about her normal business when a young man in his twenties, Steven, enters the office. He proceeds to take out an Ak-47 and tells the staff in the office to evacuate the school. He also takes Cassandra hostage and instructs her to call 911 and relay his messages to the operator. As she communicates with the dispatcher and the police arrive on the scene, Steven paces around unsure of himself. He opens a...
- 3/1/2018
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
UCLA film student Reed Van Dyk didn’t come up with the story for his Oscar-nominated short film, “DeKalb Elementary.” The story found him. He was already writing a feature script about a mass shooting incident, and eager to make the story as true-to-life as possible, he went looking for recorded 911 calls to get a better sense of how dispatchers handle these kinds of incidents. “I just needed to know how a 911 dispatcher answers the phone,” the filmmaker said in an interview this week. “I just needed to know what the protocol was. What do they say when they pick up the phone?”
He googled “911 call” and found what he was looking for. “This call that my short film is based on happened to be the first one that popped up,” he said.
The call that Van Dyk found was from a 2013 incident at an Atlanta, Georgia elementary school, in...
He googled “911 call” and found what he was looking for. “This call that my short film is based on happened to be the first one that popped up,” he said.
The call that Van Dyk found was from a 2013 incident at an Atlanta, Georgia elementary school, in...
- 2/22/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Be prepared to gasp, cringe and cry while watching this year's Oscar-nominated live-action short subjects. One of the strongest lineups in recent memory, the films deal with a variety of hot-button topics in powerful and moving fashion. It all makes the sole comic entry, The Eleven O'Clock, feel like a much-needed tension reliever.
Three of the short films are based on real-life events. Reed Van Dyk's DeKalb Elementary revolves around a subject that, horrifically, seems to be in the news every few days: school shootings. This taut effort begins with a distraught-looking young man (Bo Mitchell) brandishing an automatic weapon...
Three of the short films are based on real-life events. Reed Van Dyk's DeKalb Elementary revolves around a subject that, horrifically, seems to be in the news every few days: school shootings. This taut effort begins with a distraught-looking young man (Bo Mitchell) brandishing an automatic weapon...
- 2/7/2018
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ahead of the Academy Awards, we’re reviewing each short category. See the Live Action section below and the other shorts sections here.
DeKalb Elementary – USA – 20 minutes
There’s a moment in Reed Van Dyk’s DeKalb Elementary where the young, mentally unstable white male shooter (Bo Mitchell’s Steven Hall) exits the school in search of a suicide-by-cop scenario. He opens fire on the police — receiving bullets in return — until the courageously calm black female receptionist (Tarra Riggs’ Cassandra Rice) asks him to come back in so as not to hurt himself. It’s a surreal exchange because you place yourself in her situation and realize you would probably start silently praying that the cops do grant his wish. This whole ordeal is over if they succeed at shooting him dead. The lockdown ends, the scared children in their classrooms remain safe, and another gun-toting domestic terrorist is off the street forever.
DeKalb Elementary – USA – 20 minutes
There’s a moment in Reed Van Dyk’s DeKalb Elementary where the young, mentally unstable white male shooter (Bo Mitchell’s Steven Hall) exits the school in search of a suicide-by-cop scenario. He opens fire on the police — receiving bullets in return — until the courageously calm black female receptionist (Tarra Riggs’ Cassandra Rice) asks him to come back in so as not to hurt himself. It’s a surreal exchange because you place yourself in her situation and realize you would probably start silently praying that the cops do grant his wish. This whole ordeal is over if they succeed at shooting him dead. The lockdown ends, the scared children in their classrooms remain safe, and another gun-toting domestic terrorist is off the street forever.
- 2/7/2018
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
This year’s batch of Oscar nominated live-action shorts — five in total, including two from the United States — features a startlingly varied selection, from topics to genre (there’s even a stray comedy in here). Yet, despite the wide range of films on offer for this year’s award, the five nominees are bonded by a strong take on timely political issues (from gun control to religious tolerance) and personal anxieties that hardly seem out of place in seriously strange times. Look closely — this batch might not be as unconnected as it seems.
Read More:2018 Oscar Predictions: Best Live Action Short
As is awards season tradition, ShortsHD will be releasing this year’s short film Oscar nominees — including live-action, animated, and documentary — into theaters around the country next week, all in hopes that cinephiles will spark to the idea of checking out a big batch of contenders they most likely...
Read More:2018 Oscar Predictions: Best Live Action Short
As is awards season tradition, ShortsHD will be releasing this year’s short film Oscar nominees — including live-action, animated, and documentary — into theaters around the country next week, all in hopes that cinephiles will spark to the idea of checking out a big batch of contenders they most likely...
- 2/1/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Kristen Stewart, 'Camp X-Ray' star, to join cast of 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' Kristen Stewart to join 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk' movie After putting away her Bella Swan wig and red (formerly brown) contact lenses, Kristen Stewart has been making a number of interesting career choices. Here are three examples: Stewart was a U.S. soldier who befriends an inmate (Peyman Moaadi) at the American Gulag, Guantanamo, in Peter Sattler's little-seen (at least in theaters) Camp X-Ray. She was one of Best Actress Oscar winner Julianne Moore's daughters in Wash Westmoreland and the recently deceased Richard Glatzer's Alzheimer's drama Still Alice. She was the personal assistant to troubled, aging actress Juliette Binoche in Olivier Assayas' Clouds of Sils Maria, which earned her a history-making Best Supporting Actress César. (Stewart became the first American actress to take home the French Academy Award.
- 4/4/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Director: Peter Engert. Writer: Christian McDonald. Cast: Edward Furlong, Monica Keena, Andre Royo, Bo Mitchell, Luis Da Silva Jr. and C.J. Thomason. Aftermath is a post-apocalyptic thriller from distributors Rlj Entertainment and relative newcomer Peter Engert. Engert's third feature takes place after a nuclear strike, which leaves several survivors exposed to radiation. The next hour or so consists of the survivors succumbing to radiation sickness. Light and fun - this film is not. Instead, the film focuses on drama and the dire situation in which the characters find themselves. The protagonist Hunter, played with lots of starch by C.J. Thomason, is a man without a past. It is only a matter of time before the survivors must face the unpredictable outcomes of a nuclear strike, including raging, mutated farmers. Aftermath is a very dreary film, which will leave many viewers haunted and wondering why. The film's story begins with Hunter.
- 9/7/2014
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Network: HBO
Episodes: 29 (half-hour)
Seasons: Four
TV show dates: February 15, 2009 -- November 17, 2013
Series status: Ended
Performers include: Danny McBride, Katy Mixon, John Hawkes, Andrew Daly, Ben Best, Jennifer Irwin, Steve Little, Ethan Alexander McGee, Bo Mitchell, Sylvia Jefferies, Craig Robinson, Luke Bigham, and Will Ferrell.
TV show description:
This comedy TV series follows a burned out Major League baseball player who returns to his hometown to teach physical education at his old middle school. While it's not biographical, show creators do admit to being inspired by John Rocker, a former Major League relief pitcher who played for several different teams.
Kenny Powers' (Danny McBride) future looked bright when, at age 19, he left Shelby County to become a big-time baseball pitcher. Yet here he is now sleeping on his brother Dustin's couch...
Episodes: 29 (half-hour)
Seasons: Four
TV show dates: February 15, 2009 -- November 17, 2013
Series status: Ended
Performers include: Danny McBride, Katy Mixon, John Hawkes, Andrew Daly, Ben Best, Jennifer Irwin, Steve Little, Ethan Alexander McGee, Bo Mitchell, Sylvia Jefferies, Craig Robinson, Luke Bigham, and Will Ferrell.
TV show description:
This comedy TV series follows a burned out Major League baseball player who returns to his hometown to teach physical education at his old middle school. While it's not biographical, show creators do admit to being inspired by John Rocker, a former Major League relief pitcher who played for several different teams.
Kenny Powers' (Danny McBride) future looked bright when, at age 19, he left Shelby County to become a big-time baseball pitcher. Yet here he is now sleeping on his brother Dustin's couch...
- 11/20/2013
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Tagline: "You are not safe." A new post-apocalyptic thriller is rising on the horizon. Called Remnants, this title deals with a nuclear disaster and a group of desperate survivors. Edward Furlong stars as Brad, a man incapable of dealing with the circumstances. Monica Keenan also stars as Elizabeth with C. J. Tomason playing a young doctor, Hunter. Hunter will have a lot to deal with when the radiation sickness sinks in. The first trailer for Remnants is hosted below and this title will have its World Premiere at Film4 Frightfest shortly. Release Date: Tba. Director: Peter Engert. Writer: Christian McDonald. Cast: Edward Furlong, Monica Keena, William Baldwin, Andre Royo, C.J. Thomason, Randal Reeder, Bo Mitchell, Jessie Rusu, Christine Kelly, and Ted Ferguson. The trailer for Remnants is here: Source: Remnants at Quiet Earth | | | Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28Dla Subscribe to 28...
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- 8/30/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
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