Fraternity culture has earned itself a bad rap for the intense hazing rituals, drug-fueled parties, and emphatic loyalties that have led to deadly consequences. And yet, Greek Life remains a fascinating subject, especially in the movies, which is why thrillers such as The Line exist. The feature debut of director Ethan Berger, the campus thriller stars Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Scoot McNairy, Austin Abrams, Bo Mitchell, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy, Denise Richards, John Malkovich, and the late Angus Cloud.
Here’s the synopsis: “The Line” is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college fraternities and blind adherence to tradition. Alex Wolff stars as Tom, a scholarship student desperate to break free from his working-class background who 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 (Halle Bailey), a classmate outside of his social circle, and the manipulative schemes of his fraternity president (Lewis Pullman) unfolding during the hazing of new members, Tom finds himself ensnared in a perilous game of ambition and loyalty.
The film is directed by Ethan Berger who co-wrote the script with Alex Russek. Berger previously directed ESPN’s 8-part miniseries More Than an Athlete.
Just one look at the cast of rising stars should put The Line high on a lot of people’s radars. Wolff was last seen in A Quiet Place: Day One. Bailey has been busy in both The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple. Pullman seems to be everywhere and will be seen next in Marvel’s Thunderbolts*. And Abrams can be seen right now holding his own with George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Wolfs.
Utopia Distribution will open The Line in NY/LA theaters on October 18th, followed by an expansion on October 25th.