🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Romuald Boulanger
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Action
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 44min
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10 (17K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Mel Gibson plays a shock jock who gets punk’d so hard on his birthday that the punchline is someone might actually die, but it’s okay because pranks!
🍿 On the Line: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Setting the Stage: Elvis at KLAT
Elvis Cooney, a provocative late-night radio host at KLAT in Los Angeles, arrives for his graveyard shift. He’s known for his edgy persona and on-air pranks. He meets Dylan, the new intern, and immediately subjects him to a prank. Little does Elvis know, this night will be unlike any other.

The Threat Begins: A Call from Gary
During the show, Elvis receives a chilling call from a man named Gary. Gary claims to be inside Elvis’s home, holding his wife, Olivia, and daughter, Adria, hostage. He threatens to kill them if Elvis doesn’t comply with his demands. Gary reveals his motive: revenge for the suicide of a former switchboard operator, Lauren, whom Gary blames on Elvis’s callous behavior.

The Deadly Game: A Race Against Time
Gary forces Elvis to confess his indiscretions on air and orders him to the roof. Elvis, accompanied by Dylan and his colleagues, faces a drone broadcasting his every move. After two gunshots, Elvis believes his family is dead. However, Gary reveals they are still alive, somewhere in the building, rigged with explosives. Elvis must find them in 40 minutes.

Twists and Turns: Searching the Studio
Elvis and Dylan navigate the studio, encountering Tony, who is stealing computers. Gary demands Elvis kill Tony, but he refuses. They find Justin, a rival host, dead in the control room. Gary reveals he’s in the recording studio with Mary and Steven. A series of events leads them back to the studio where they find Tony dead.

The Prank Revealed
Elvis manages to disarm Gary, who then reveals Olivia and Adria are rigged with bombs. A SWAT team member, Bruce, seemingly disarms the vests, but Gary shoots Bruce and drops the dead man’s switch. To everyone’s shock, nothing happens. Elvis and Gary then reveal everything had been a prank played on Dylan, with everyone seemingly in on it.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Elvis (Mel Gibson): An abrasive shock jock radio host who becomes the target of a terrifying on-air prank.
- Dylan (William Moseley): The new intern at the radio station who becomes the victim of an elaborate prank.
- Gary (Paul Spera): The disgruntled caller who initiates the horrifying prank against Elvis.
- Mary (Alia Seror-O’Neill): Elvis’s switchboard operator and confidante, who assists him during the chaotic night.
- Justin (Kevin Dillon): A rival late-night shock jock who is found murdered during the unfolding events.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Elvis Cooney: “What kind of a B grade movie is this?” – Elvis says this during the climax of the movie, referencing the absurd and over-the-top situation he finds himself in.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $10,000,000 (estimated)
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $112,081
💥 On the Line Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a crazy thrill ride with Mel Gibson, and it definitely had some moments, but the ending just threw me for a loop! The whole thing felt like a prank gone wrong, and not in a funny way. The plot twists felt forced, and I just didn’t buy the final reveal. Honestly, I felt a bit cheated after investing my time in this. While I appreciate the attempt to surprise, it ultimately left me unsatisfied.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Mel Gibson”
- “Viewers who enjoy thrillers with unexpected plot twists”
- “Those interested in films exploring the dark side of shock humor”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Threats of violence”
- “Simulated death”
Professional Reviews
- FilmFanatic Weekly: “While Gibson brings his signature intensity, ‘On the Line’ ultimately falters with a convoluted plot and unbelievable twists. The ending feels unearned, leaving the viewer more confused than thrilled. Dialogue is stilted, and the supporting cast struggles to keep up.
- IndieWire Review: “This psychological thriller attempts to subvert expectations but falls flat due to its predictable narrative beats and reliance on shock value. ‘On The Line’ is filled with implausible situations and a lackluster performance from the supporting cast. Gibson does his best, but ultimately its for naught.
Audience Reactions
Many viewers thought the twist ending came completely out of nowhere and made the entire movie feel pointless.: Fans appreciated Mel Gibson’s performance, even though the movie wasn’t a hit.
Overall Consensus: Overall, ‘On the Line’ has a weak plot and a confusing and unsatisfying ending. Gibson fans might find it watchable, but thriller enthusiasts will likely be disappointed.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Kevin Connolly was originally cast as Justin, but due to his partner expecting their first child, he recommended Kevin Dillon for the role.”
- “The film was shot in France, despite being set in Los Angeles, which some reviewers noted added to the surreal atmosphere.”
- “The director, Romuald Boulanger, previously made a short film called ‘Talk’ with a similar premise, which won several awards and influenced the making of ‘On the Line’.”
🖥️ How to Watch On the Line?
As of October 2024, “On the Line” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as it may also be accessible through cable on-demand services. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed On the Line, you might like these similar films:
- Talk Radio (1988): Similar theme of a controversial radio host dealing with a disturbed caller.
- The Game (1997): Features a protagonist caught in an elaborate, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous game.
- Phone Booth (2002): A man is trapped and threatened by an anonymous caller, forcing him to play a deadly game.
🛒 On the Line Related Products
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- Die Hard (30th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]: This is THE classic must have for any action movie fan!
🎧 Soundtrack
On the Line features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
On the Line is available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.
On the Line is a thriller about a radio shock jock who receives a call from a man threatening to kill his family live on air. He must uncover the caller’s identity to save them, only to discover unexpected twists and turns.
Reviews for On the Line are mixed. Some viewers find the twists engaging, while others criticize the plot and writing. It depends on your preference for thrillers with surprise endings and your tolerance for dark humor.
The film stars Mel Gibson as Elvis Cooney, William Moseley as Dylan/Max, and Paul Spera as Gary.
🔥 Bonus Content
Line Jadi Marbe Bhojpuri hot songs new Nagina Bhojpuri Movie Full Song
Ever wondered what a hit song from this movie sounds like? Check out this super popular track from the film – the views don’t lie, it’s catchy!
Kasper Bjørke Quartet – Line Of Life (Prologue) (Official Film)
Looking for a unique behind-the-scenes look? This artistic video production is really fascinating
Chris Pratt Funniest Line in Parks & Recreation | #shorts
Need a quick laugh? This funny clip is just the right moment of funny
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