Alex Wolff explores the dark side of sorority life in a dark, confident drama

When I saw Ethan Berger’s debut film, my mind wandered and thought of stories similar to Lone Scherfig’s The Riot Club and Andrew Neels Goat. The latter agrees with something The line aims to: Survey American sorority life. The former covers similar themes but focuses on the wealthy aristocrats of British society. This trio of films portrays the dark, almost surreal reality in which these young men, potential leaders of society, act on their most basic instincts despite warnings of impending consequences.

Because they can distinguish right from wrong, they are still encouraged by traditions and generations before them to continue their dangerous ways. I couldn’t help but think about why this aspect of society is so fascinating for creatives. One thing is certain: the chaotic nature of these dwellings is a showcase for aspiring filmmakers like Berger, who skillfully captures the hectic atmosphere without compromising his slow-paced horror.

The film follows Tom Baxter (Alex Wolff), a scholarship student who is determined to make something of himself. Sadly, he believes he has a foothold in a brotherhood that harbors the corrupt brood of the rich and privileged. Conflict arises when warnings about hazing, a tradition these boys refuse to give up, and when a new vow emerges, angering Mitch, Tom’s friend and pariah connection.

If the frat house was akin to the pet food chain, Mitch would be at the bottom, but a new set of promises means he has the power to control another person, and that one particular promise is up for the slaughter. This constellation can only produce one possible outcome, and that is the outcome we all expect the moment this promise shows its face. Berger doesn’t care too much about what happens, instead focusing on the nerve-wracking ride that pushes us toward a grim ending that we can all foresee.

The line is an authentic depiction of frat life

But it is not entirely devoid of invention

Berger is undoubtedly someone to keep an eye on The line is as entertaining as it is disturbing. His control of atmosphere and pacing are admirable, as it requires patience to emphasize foreshadowing rather than adopting a procedural mentality that gives us as much detail about the crime as possible. At times the film’s style gets a bit too much, but the story is solidly structured and the ending isn’t the best.

While this is a fictionalized depiction of hazing and sorority life, Berger’s approach grounds everything in a recognizable reality and features characterizations and actions that are animalistic but as human as they can be. The only bit of invention and inauthenticity is in the form of pre-Little Mermaid Halle Bailey as Wolff’s on-screen love interest.

Bailey is a joy, but her role in The line is a cliché. Too often, creatives dealing with themes of toxic masculinity and the like try to soften a protagonist by suggesting that there is a heart behind the false bravado and distorted moral compass. There are other ways to acknowledge that Tom is not like the others, even though he participates in the misogynistic and innuendo-filled dialect.

Perhaps by strengthening his relationships outside of the fraternity to underscore that Tom possesses a fundamental humanity, The line would be considered a fascinating character study. Whether it was Bailey or another aspiring young actress, the role was a waste of time for her and us.

The line’s performances support thematic storytelling

The film’s strength lies in how it positions the Brotherhood and the power structure based on a misinterpretation of how the real world works. As chapter president, Lewis Pullman’s Todd is a character we’ve seen before; He is a man who holds on to his cherished youth before transitioning into adulthood. He knows that his power over others comes from the place that made him a leader. At some point it will be claimed that several US presidents are former slips of the tongue, but the Toms and Todds of the world are not guaranteed that upward trend.

Pullman takes on the persona of someone destined to become a formidable force, but behind his gaze lies a hint of uncertainty. Something that indicates he knows he’s not special. This sad reality is present throughout the film as we see the Brotherhood evolve. Some are granted the golden goose of opportunity, and no matter how much loyalty Tom Todd shows, his hopes of pleasing his chapter president and having it lead to something better set him up for disillusionment.

Disillusionment is the ultimate statement of The line. Fraternities paint a picture of what society will be like for these boys. However, they are all Kens seeking validation from the patriarchy. Tom is both the victim and perpetrator of this narrative, and Wolff is incredibly compelling as he realizes that his future is built on a pile of crap. Everything he has been through and is willing to see inflicted on others does not bring him the victory in life that he is working towards.

Wolff is perfectly cast in this role as we watch ignorance give way to arrogance and arrogance give way to disillusionment. The line It certainly sticks to its larger theme of dealing with bullying, but at the heart of the film is the human story of self-sabotage, seen through the eyes of Tom and, to some extent, his friend Mitch, the key catalyst for the darkest scenes of the film moments.

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The ending is fitting and shows that Tom Baxter and his brothers ultimately play no role in this ongoing cycle of pain and retribution. No adult can defuse the situation. And no amount of good apples can prevent groupthink. The film impressively illustrates that hazing is not just a university problem.

It is a severe form of bullying that arises from insecurity, entitlement and misplaced anger, but it is a deadly game that causes these boys to carry this darkness into their families, careers and all areas of society in which they find themselves engage. So to answer the burning question I had earlier: Why is sorority life often portrayed in film and television? Well, it’s permanent, scary and hard to break down, which makes studying interesting.

The line hits theaters on October 18th. The film is 100 minutes long and is not rated.

7/10

“The Line” is a 2023 drama film directed by Ethan Berger that explores a fictional fraternity and the traditions it belongs to. When Tom, a member of the brotherhood, delves deeper into the brotherhood, attracted by the promises of a better life and secure connections, he initially thinks nothing of it. But after he meets a classmate, Annabelle, and witnesses a disturbing hazing incident, Tom’s faith in the Brotherhood begins to waver.

Advantages

• The Line features excellent performances that enhance the thematic storytelling
• The film is an authentic portrayal of fraternity life
• Ethan Berger’s direction fits the story perfectly

Disadvantages

• Halle Bailey’s character is unfortunately a cliché