Overview

On the Line follows Elvis Cooney (Mel Gibson), a veteran late-night radio host in Los Angeles. During a live broadcast, he receives a disturbing call from an anonymous man claiming he has taken Elvis’s family hostage. The caller demands that Elvis play a series of psychological games on-air, forcing him to confront his past and uncover hidden truths. As the situation escalates, Elvis must race against time to save his loved ones while navigating an increasingly twisted cat-and-mouse scenario.

Highlights

 

 

Mel Gibson’s intense performance: Gibson drives the film with charisma and urgency, carrying nearly every scene.

Real-time tension: The story unfolds like a live broadcast, giving the thriller a tight, contained, and suspenseful energy.

Mind-game atmosphere: The mysterious caller and escalating threats create a psychological thriller tone rather than pure action.

Claustrophobic setting: The radio station environment heightens the pressure and makes the tension feel immediate.

Critique / Weaknesses

Polarizing twist ending: The final reveal divides audiences—some find it clever, others feel it undermines the tension.

Limited character depth: Supporting characters are lightly sketched, with focus heavily on Gibson’s lead.

Predictable moments: A few thriller beats follow familiar patterns despite the film’s unique setup.

Small-scale production: Some scenes reveal budget constraints.

Verdict

On the Line is a compact, dialogue-driven thriller that rides on Mel Gibson’s presence and a tense, real-time premise. While the twist may not land for everyone, it offers a gripping, fast-moving mystery that keeps viewers guessing until the end.

Rating: 6.2/10