Directed by
David Hackl
Made by
Lionsgate Premiere
Discover the intricate plot of Life on the Line (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the camera rolls, Duncan sits down for an intimate interview within a documentary, revealing his raw insights into the life of a lineman. His candid thoughts illustrate the relentless grind of the job and the emotional toll involved in navigating the treacherous world of power lines.
In a parallel narrative, Danny Ginner, an experienced lineman, battles a tempest at home, striving to comfort his frightened daughter Bailey who’s anxious about the raging storm outside. With rain pouring heavily, Danny leaps into action, joining his crew to fix a downed power line. His brother, Beau - seasoned and capable - arrives at the scene, tackling the challenge with ease.
However, when Beau overlooks a critical issue, Danny’s instincts spur him to act. As he attempts the repair, disaster strikes—a bolt of lightning engulfs the power line, sending Danny crashing to the ground. Rushed to the hospital, he is devastated to learn that his wife, Maggie, has tragically lost her life in an accident.
The ensuing years are marked by grief and yearning, as Beau and Bailey forge an unbreakable bond amidst their shared loss. Fast forward fifteen years, and they find themselves living together, their lives now intertwined like the very power lines they once worked on. Bailey now works as a waitress at a local diner, while Beau climbs the ranks to become the head lineman.
As they navigate their routines, new neighbors, Carline and Eugene, arrive across the street. Beau notices that Eugene is also employed by the power company, igniting a sense of connection. Initially surprised by a celebratory party thrown by his colleagues, including an old friend Pok’ Chop, Beau later encounters Duncan, a newcomer to the company. A flicker of history appears when it’s revealed that Duncan and Bailey once shared an intimate relationship, but interruptions from Ron, one of Bailey’s ex-boyfriends, complicate matters.
The narrative intensifies as Carline and Eugene’s relationship faces trials due to shadows of their pasts. Carline’s tensions rise when she interacts with other men, causing suspicion to grow within Eugene. Meanwhile, Bailey experiences a life-altering moment when she discloses her pregnancy, the father being none other than Duncan. Caught between the urge for higher education and parenting, Bailey’s journey becomes increasingly complex.
Ron seeks to revitalize his romance with Bailey but finds himself thwarted by Carline’s interventions. One poignant evening, Bailey observes a taxi pulling up to Carline and Eugene’s house, spotting Carline leaving without Eugene, further muddling their connection.
As days progress, Eugene’s suspicions about Carline deepen, leading him to investigate her phone. Unfamiliar numbers raise red flags, and although Carline dismisses them as social activities with Bailey, Eugene’s anxiety simmers beneath the surface. When Eugene confronts Bailey about her bond with Carline, confusion reigns, heightening tensions when Carline arrives on the scene.
Amidst this turmoil, Bailey and Duncan rekindle their romance, much to Beau’s dismay, as he urges Bailey to pursue her aspirations. One night, fueled by alcohol and emotion, Beau confronts Duncan about his relationship with Bailey, prompting intervention from Pok’ Chop, who advises Beau to take a step back.
As a violent storm ensues, a catastrophic event occurs—an electrical line crashes onto the train tracks, prompting Beau’s crew to respond to the emergency. Simultaneously, Eugene desperately seeks connection with Carline amidst the chaos.
The storm reaches a critical point, with Eugene ascending a power tower, battling his inner demons but choosing life. As darkness blankets the city with failing power lines, Ron makes a reckless decision, entering Eugene and Carline’s home and attacking Carline, igniting chaos. Eugene arrives with a gun, and in the ensuing turmoil, Bailey intervenes only to become a victim of crossfire, sustaining a critical injury.
As Carline rushes Bailey to the hospital, Pok’ Chop—at the scene tending to another injured lineman—realizes Bailey’s plight and calls for Beau’s urgent attention. With Bailey fighting for her life, the storm continues its indiscriminate rampage, jeopardizing safety as power infrastructure collapses.
Determined to restore order, Beau scrambles with Duncan to identify the malfunction in the electrical system. After a harrowing search, Beau discovers a blown fuse isolating crucial networks. On the brink of failure, he ascends to rectify the situation, succeeding at a grave personal cost as he is thrown from the tower.
In the hospital, Duncan visits Bailey to provide comfort, sharing his sorrow over Beau’s tragic loss as his radio crackles with a warning of an impending storm. As the story unfolds further, we reunite with Duncan, Bailey, and their young child, alongside a new community of linemen. They gather at a poignant memorial standing at the base of a towering electrical structure, honoring the sacrifices made by linemen, including the etched names of Danny and Beau who forever resonate in the lives they enriched.
Track the key events of Life on the Line (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Duncan's Interview
The film opens with Duncan sitting down for an intimate documentary interview. He shares his raw insights into the life of a lineman, revealing both the emotional and physical toll of navigating the dangerous world of power lines.
Danny's Home Struggles
As a storm rages outside, Danny Ginner comforts his frightened daughter, Bailey. The overwhelming anxiety within their home displays the emotional challenges faced by families of linemen during extreme weather conditions.
Power Line Emergency
Danny joins his crew in responding to a downed power line during the storm. His brother Beau arrives at the scene, showcasing their strong brotherly bond and teamwork as they tackle the urgent repair amidst the chaos.
Tragic Accident
While attempting the repair, disaster strikes when a bolt of lightning hits the power line. Danny is thrown to the ground, leading to a life-altering moment as he learns of his wife Maggie's death in an accident shortly after.
Years of Grief
In the years following the tragedy, Beau and Bailey develop a deep, unbreakable bond as they navigate their shared grief. Their lives intertwine as they learn to cope with their significant loss and the memories of Danny.
New Neighbors
Bailey, now a waitress, and Beau, a head lineman, encounter their new neighbors Carline and Eugene. Beau discovers Eugene also works for the power company, fostering a connection that hints at past and future complications.
Old Flames
Beau attends a party where he meets Duncan, a newcomer who rekindles memories of Bailey’s past romance with him. The reunion is further complicated by interruptions from Ron, Bailey's ex-boyfriend, adding tension to the evening.
Bailey's Pregnancy Reveal
Bailey reveals her unexpected pregnancy, with Duncan being the father. The news shakes her relationship with Beau, as she grapples with the responsibilities of motherhood and her aspirations for higher education.
Conflict and Confusion
As tensions rise, Eugene grows suspicious of Carline due to her interactions with other men. This distrust complicates their relationship as he struggles to communicate his concerns, leading to misunderstandings.
Storm Chaos
A violent storm triggers a catastrophic event when an electrical line crashes onto train tracks. Beau's crew responds to the emergency, showcasing their bravery and the dangers that linemen face during extreme events.
Crossfire Incident
Ron makes a reckless decision during the storm, invading Eugene and Carline's home and attacking Carline. In the violent altercation, Bailey intervenes and suffers a critical injury in the ensuing chaos.
Desperate Hospital Run
Carline rushes an injured Bailey to the hospital as tensions mount. Pok' Chop realizes Bailey's critical condition and calls for Beau, setting the stage for an emotional reunion amidst the storm's devastation.
Beau's Sacrifice
Determined to restore power, Beau and Duncan search for the electrical malfunction. When Beau discovers a blown fuse, he takes risks to fix it, ultimately succeeding at a great personal cost as he suffers a tragic fall.
Memorial and Legacy
In the aftermath of the storm, the community gathers at a poignant memorial honoring the sacrifices of linemen. Names of Danny and Beau are etched into the structure, symbolizing their impact on the lives they touched.
New Beginnings
The story concludes with Duncan, Bailey, and their child forming a new family as they navigate life together. The community of linemen stands united, showcasing resilience and hope after the tumultuous events they've endured.
Meet the characters that bring Life on the Line (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Duncan (John Travolta)
Duncan is presented as a newcomer to the power company with a shared history with Bailey. His character provides insight into the life of a lineman through interviews, shedding light on the emotional struggles faced in the profession. As Bailey's love interest, he navigates complex relationships, highlighting the impact of past decisions on present circumstances.
Danny Ginner (Devon Sawa)
Danny is an experienced lineman juggling the responsibilities of his job with his role as a father. His love for his daughter Bailey shines through his protective nature, especially during the storm. Danny's tragic accident and loss set the emotional tone for the film and spark significant changes in the family dynamics.
Bailey (Kate Bosworth)
Bailey is characterized by her strength and vulnerability as she faces loss and love throughout the film. Her pregnancy adds layers of complexity as she chooses between her aspirations and motherhood. The bond she shares with Beau and her tumultuous relationship with Duncan illustrate her journey of growth and resilience.
Beau (Gil Bellows)
Beau is depicted as a dedicated lineman with deep familial ties and a strong sense of duty. His relationship with Bailey and his brother Danny illustrates the themes of sacrifice and support. Beau's character evolves as he faces the storms both in his professional life and personal relationships, often questioning his role in the family.
Maggie
Maggie is the tragic figure whose untimely death leaves a profound impact on her family. Her absence serves as a catalyst for the grief that permeates the storyline, pushing characters like Danny and Beau to navigate their emotional turmoil. Though not present in the current timeline, Maggie’s influence is felt throughout the film.
Uncover the settings of Life on the Line (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Contemporary, Over fifteen years
The story takes place in a contemporary setting, highlighting modern challenges faced by linemen and their families. Over the course of fifteen years, it explores how grief, relationships, and community evolve, capturing the passage of time and its impact on the characters. Events unfold against seasonal storms, symbolizing the turmoil in their lives.
Location
Local diner, Power company facilities, City streets
The movie primarily unfolds in a bustling urban setting where the power company operates, and a local diner serves as a gathering spot for characters. The city streets are depicted as the backdrop where the tensions between characters escalate amidst the emotional storms paralleling the weather. The looming presence of the power infrastructure highlights the dangers and challenges faced by linemen in their daily lives.
Explore the core themes of Life on the Line (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love and Loss
The film deeply explores the theme of love interwoven with profound loss, as characters navigate their relationships in the shadow of tragedy. Bailey's pregnancy with Duncan and her connection with Beau highlight the complexities of love in the face of grief. This theme resonates throughout the narrative as characters find solace and challenge each other in their mourning.
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Danger and Sacrifice
The relentless dangers of a lineman's job serve as a significant theme, representing the risks taken for the greater good. Beau's ultimate sacrifice to save his community captures the essence of bravery and the harsh realities of their profession. The theme highlights the fine line between duty and personal loss, prompting viewers to reflect on the cost of service.
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Storms of Life
Symbolically, the storms in the film represent the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters. Both literal and metaphorical storms serve to heighten tensions and provide a backdrop for character development. As they navigate these tumultuous times, the characters discover resilience and the importance of support from their community.
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