The Line (2023 film)

The Line is a 2023 American drama film written by Ethan Berger and Alex Russek, directed by Berger and starring Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Austin Abrams, Scoot McNairy and John Malkovich. This was the final film released during Angus Cloud's lifetime before his death on July 31, 2023.

Cast

 * Alex Wolff as Tom Backster
 * John Malkovich as Beach Miller
 * Scoot McNairy
 * Lewis Pullman as Todd Stevens
 * Halle Bailey as Annabelle Bascom
 * Austin Abrams as Gettys O'Brien
 * Angus Cloud as Robert DeWitt
 * Bo Mitchell as Mitch Miller
 * Denise Richards as Leanne
 * Cheri Oteri as Jackie Backster

Production
In March 2019, it was announced that Wolff would star in the film along with Malkovich, McNairy, Jessica Barden and Pullman.

Release
The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 9, 2023. In May 2024, Utopia acquired distribution rights to the film and scheduled it for a September 27, 2024 release.

Reception
Taylor Gates of Collider graded the film a B+ and wrote, "It’s a sophisticated commentary wrapped up in a beer-soaked package and is sure to linger with you long after the credits roll."

Murtada Efadl of Variety gave the film a positive review and wrote, "As Tom’s world crumbles, Wolff adapts his performance, which becomes more raw, adding sensitivity and disillusionment."

Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter also gave the film a positive review and wrote, "Enthralling even when it doesn't go deep."

Samantha Bergeson of IndieWire graded the film an A−, calling it "absolutely one of the most accurate films about fraternity life ever made."

Chad Collins of Dread Central awarded the film four stars out of five, calling it a "terrifying debut from director Ethan Berger."

Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood also gave the film a positive review and wrote, "The deck is stacked in The Line, but the ultimate message (which is you are best to steer clear of the frat world at all costs) comes through loud and clear."