The Line (2023)
A taut, emotionally charged French drama about family violence, forbidden proximity, and the invisible lines that define love and consequence.
The Line - Movie Information
- Original Title: La ligne
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Ursula Meier
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 11, 2023 (France), May 18, 2023 (Germany - 12), January 25, 2023 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: The Line (UK)
- Production Companies: Bandita Films, Les Films de Pierre, Les Films du Fleuve, ARTE France Cinéma
- Production Countries: Belgium, France, Switzerland
The Line - Plot
Margaret, 35, has a history of violent behaviour which has cost her a romantic relationship. She has moved back in with her mother Christina, a fragile, immature 55-year-old woman who blames Margaret, her firstborn, for ruining her dreams of a career as a concert pianist. In a state of unbridled fury during an argument, Margaret hits Christina. The law steps in, further complicating family dynamics. As she awaits trial, Margaret is forbidden from coming into contact with her mother or within 100 metres of their home. This only intensifies her desire to be closer to her family. Every day, Margaret appears at this 100-metre threshold to see her 12-year-old sister Marion and give her music lessons.
Where to Watch The Line
Looking for where to watch The Line?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Line - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ursula Meier
Main Cast
- Valeria Bruni Tedeschi
- Stéphanie Blanchoud
- Benjamin Biolay
- Dali Benssalah
- Elli Spagnolo
- India Hair
- Eric Ruf
- Thomas Wiesel
- Jean-François Stévenin
- Louis Gence
Writers
- Ursula Meier
- Stéphanie Blanchoud
Producers
- Max Karli
- Pauline Gygax
The Line - FAQs
What is The Line about?
The Line follows Margaret, a 35-year-old woman with a history of violent behaviour, who strikes her fragile, emotionally immature mother Christina during an argument. Banned by court order from coming within 100 metres of the family home, she finds herself drawn to the boundary every day, giving music lessons to her young sister Marion through the invisible line.
What does the 100-metre boundary symbolise in The Line?
The 100-metre exclusion zone becomes far more than a legal restriction — it’s a physical embodiment of the emotional distance and unresolved wounds within the family. Margaret’s daily vigil at the threshold captures the film’s central tension: the desperate pull of belonging versus the consequences of harm, and whether love alone can bridge a broken bond.
Where can you watch The Line?
You can rent or buy The Line on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It’s widely available across digital platforms, so finding a way to watch shouldn’t be a problem.
Is The Line based on a true story?
The Line is not based on a specific true story. Director Ursula Meier co-wrote the screenplay with lead actress Stéphanie Blanchoud, drawing on universal themes of family trauma, cycles of violence, and the complicated love between mothers and daughters rather than any single real-life event.
Who are the main actors in The Line?
Stéphanie Blanchoud leads the cast as Margaret, with Valeria Bruni Tedeschi delivering a striking performance as her mother Christina. Benjamin Biolay, Dali Benssalah, and young Elli Spagnolo as the little sister Marion round out the central family unit at the heart of the story.
Is The Line worth watching?
Absolutely. The Line earned strong critical praise on the festival circuit, with Stéphanie Blanchoud winning the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin International Film Festival. It’s a quietly devastating portrait of family dysfunction, anchored by two powerhouse performances and Ursula Meier’s precise, empathetic direction.
Did The Line win any awards?
Yes — The Line had a celebrated run on the awards circuit. Stéphanie Blanchoud took home the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival, one of cinema’s most prestigious honours. The film also received recognition at several European film awards for its screenplay and direction.
Who directed and wrote The Line?
The Line was directed by Swiss filmmaker Ursula Meier, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside lead actress Stéphanie Blanchoud. Meier is known for her unflinching explorations of fractured family dynamics, and The Line continues that tradition with remarkable emotional precision and visual restraint.
More About The Line
Explore further details about The Line on these trusted databases.