Directed by
Steven C. Miller
Made by
Saban Films
Discover the intricate plot of Line of Duty (2019). 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.
Frank Penny, portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, is an ex-cop desperate for redemption after tragically killing a child abductor. This abductor had taken the only child of a police officer, Volk, who was deeply involved in the operation to capture him. After a botched ransom attempt, the abductor is confronted by Frank during a routine patrol, resulting in the abductor’s demise. When the abductor’s brother sends a chilling live feed showing Volk’s daughter, Claudia, trapped in a glass cage submerged in water with a countdown clock, everything escalates. Volk, unwilling to accept any further assistance from Frank, distances himself.
Enter Ava Brooks, played by Courtney Eaton, a dedicated vlogger committed to delivering “real” news. She seizes the opportunity to break the story of the kidnapping, igniting public interest. With the life of an 11-year-old girl at stake, Frank takes matters into his own hands, going rogue in his quest to save her. He recruits Ava, whose live-streaming platform broadcasts his every move, turning their pursuit into a spectacle for the city. As Frank and Ava race against time, they encounter numerous challenges and face the wrath of the abductor’s vengeful brother.
Meanwhile, Ruth Carter, played by Dina Meyer, oversees the news coverage and despises Ava’s success in securing vital information that could improve her ratings. Ruth employs Maya Prinz, portrayed by Betsy Landin, to assist her in the field and strategically decides to air Ava’s live broadcast on her network TV.
Frank discovers the kidnapper’s vehicle but is pursued by Ava, who he convinces to aid him in locating the remaining accomplice. Their investigation leads them to the home of brothers Max and Dean Keller, with Frank having already taken down Max. Unfortunately, Dean remains at large with Claudia in his grasp.
After finding the brothers’ registered residence, Frank is ambushed by Dean. In a tense encounter, he opts to distract Dean so that Ava can broadcast his location for Volk’s intervention. After a gripping sequence, Frank manages to rescue Ava, but they soon speculate about Claudia’s true whereabouts, realizing they may not have the right address.
Just when they think they have a lead, Dean manages to slip away while being transported for medical attention. Ruth then tips Ava off with another possible location, leading them to a haunting photograph of Max and Dean’s sister, Naomi, who perished in a meth lab explosion related to the brothers. This tragic link reveals a police delay during the initial incident, directly involving Volk.
As Frank and Ava race to the newfound location, they discover it is laced with explosives. A tense standoff occurs when Dean arrives in a stolen emergency vehicle, forcing Frank and Ava to trigger the explosives, which ultimately results in Dean’s demise. In his final moments, Dean cryptically hints that Claudia lies buried six feet under.
Remembering a cemetery’s woodwork he saw earlier, Frank deduces where Claudia is likely hidden. When they arrive at the cemetery, they find Claudia buried deep underground. A miraculous turn of events occurs as a large group gathers, responding to Ava’s live stream, and they help Frank rescue her just in time. His heroic effort culminates in delivering Claudia back to safety, turning a desperate situation into a victorious reunion.
Track the key events of Line of Duty (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Frank's Tragic Past
Frank Penny is revealed as an ex-cop haunted by the tragedy of killing a child abductor. This abductor had kidnapped the daughter of a fellow police officer, which has left Frank desperate for redemption.
Abduction of Claudia
The story escalates when the abductor's brother sends a live feed showing Claudia, the kidnapped girl, trapped in a submerged glass cage. With a countdown clock ticking down, the urgency of the situation grows immensely.
Ava Brooks Joins the Fray
Enter Ava Brooks, a vlogger determined to expose the truth behind the kidnapping. She seizes the opportunity to broadcast the situation, drawing public attention and escalating the crisis.
Frank Goes Rogue
Desperate to save Claudia, Frank takes matters into his own hands and begins operating outside the law. He teams up with Ava, whose live streaming adds an extra layer of pressure to their mission.
Tension with Ruth Carter
Ruth Carter, overseeing news coverage, grows frustrated with Ava's successful scoops. She hires Maya Prinz to bolster her team and decides to exploit Ava's live broadcasts for her own ratings.
The Search for the Kidnapper's Vehicle
Frank and Ava attempt to locate the kidnapper's vehicle. During this frantic pursuit, Frank leads them to the registered residence of brothers Max and Dean Keller, hoping to extract more information.
Confrontation with Dean
After locating the Keller brothers, Frank faces a tense encounter with Dean. He devises a plan to distract Dean while Ava broadcasts his location, hoping for support from Volk.
Ava's Resilience
After being rescued from Dean, Frank and Ava reflect on Claudia's disappearance as they realize they may not have the correct address. They must continue their search with limited leads.
Ruth's Inside Tip
Ruth provides Ava with a new potential location for Claudia, leading them to a tragic revelation about the brothers’ sister, Naomi, and the police's delayed response to her death.
Race Against Time
With renewed purpose, Frank and Ava rush to the new location, only to discover it is filled with explosives. Tension mounts as they prepare to confront Dean, who arrives unexpectedly.
The Explosive Showdown
In a tense standoff, Frank and Ava are forced to detonate the explosives, leading to Dean's demise. In his final moments, Dean cryptically suggests that Claudia is buried six feet under.
A Moment of Realization
Recalling a detail from earlier, Frank deduces Claudia's potential burial site at a nearby cemetery. This revelation drives him to act quickly, determined to save her from an untimely fate.
The Rescue Operation
Upon arriving at the cemetery, Frank and a group of concerned citizens, inspired by Ava's live stream, work together to rescuing Claudia. Their combined efforts become crucial as time is running out.
Claudia's Safe Return
In a miraculous twist, Frank successfully rescues Claudia just in time. This heroic act not only reunites him with the girl but also restores his sense of redemption and purpose.
Meet the characters that bring Line of Duty (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Frank Penny (Aaron Eckhart)
Frank Penny is a complex character driven by guilt and the need for redemption after a tragic incident in his past. As an ex-cop, he embodies a relentless spirit to rectify his mistakes, transforming from a man haunted by his actions into a courageous rescuer focused on saving a young girl.
Ava Brooks (Courtney Eaton)
Ava Brooks is a determined vlogger who embraces her platform to report on the unfolding crisis. She showcases resourcefulness and courage, transforming from a mere reporter to an active participant in the rescue mission, effectively using her influence to engage the public.
Volk (Giancarlo Esposito)
Volk is a police officer deeply affected by the loss of his daughter due to a criminal's actions. His dedication to his job clashes with Frank's impulsive tactics as he grapples with feelings of betrayal and the need for control in an entangled situation.
Ruth Carter (Dina Meyer)
Ruth Carter is a competitive news director who prioritizes ratings over ethical reporting. Her strategic mind sees opportunities in chaos, leading to conflicts with Ava and placing her in a morally ambiguous position in the pursuit of a story.
Uncover the settings of Line of Duty (2019), 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
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as crime, media influence, and the power of live news coverage. It highlights the fast-paced nature of digital journalism and the urgent atmosphere surrounding crises.
Location
City, Cemetery
The movie primarily takes place in an urban city where crime and danger lurk around every corner. The tension escalates at a cemetery, a haunting location significant to the climax of the story, where the protagonist must confront both the physical and emotional stakes involved in the rescue.
Explore the core themes of Line of Duty (2019). 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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Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to Frank Penny's character as he seeks to make amends for a past mistake that led to the tragic death of a child. His journey emphasizes the struggle to find forgiveness, both from himself and from others, while navigating the moral complexities of his actions.
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Media Influence
Media plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative, as Ava’s live-streaming efforts turn a desperate situation into a public spectacle. This theme explores the power and responsibility of the press in influencing public perception and the consequences of their coverage on real-life events.
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Loss
The film explores the profound impact of loss experienced by multiple characters, particularly the emotional toll on Volk, who loses his daughter to a kidnapper. The theme of loss reflects not only personal grief but also societal issues surrounding public safety and the ramifications of crime.
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