Bullet Points: Beyond the Line

As I write this review we are only a few weeks removed from the 75th anniversary of D-Day. With so much World War II nostalgia still fresh on everyone’s minds it is a prime time to release a World War II themed movie…

• The War is Over: Our story begins from the perspective of British soldier Sydney Baker (Chris Walters), who narrates the events as they unfold. It is 1945 and World War II is coming to a close… but Baker and his squadron find themselves flying out for one last mission before they can return home to their families. But something unexpected is about to happen… while many German soldiers had already surrendered at this point, it was obvious that not all of the German forces had called it quits as Baker and his squadron are shot down.

• The Fight for Survival Begins: Sydney Baker managed to make the jump and pull his ripcord in time to survive the attack. But as Baker finds himself stuck in a tree, he sees many of the men he was flying with were not as fortunate as their lifeless bodies are on the ground below. Baker cuts himself free from his parachute, but ends up landing on his knife when he hits the ground… the tension builds quickly as an injured Baker tries to dress his wound, all with German troops patrolling the wooded area he finds himself in. Baker manages to bandage up his leg but moments later he finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun as a German soldier demands he drops his weapon and gets on his knees… things are not looking good for Baker.
• Allied Powers: And that’s when American soldier William Summers (Jackson Berlin) shows up and takes out the German soldier, saving Sydney Baker’s life in the process. While Baker is appreciative of Summers saving his life, he and Summers have different opinions of what they should do next… Baker believes the two should find their way out of hostile territory, but Summers has vengeance in his heart, the Germans killed his entire unit and now he wants to take out as many “krauts” as possible. Despite their difference in opinions the two find themselves working together, as they wander the woods running into German soldiers seemingly at every turn. As these events unfold more is revealed about who Summers and Baker are as we get their backstories. This gives the audience a chance to emotionally invest and give a damn if these men can survive.

If you are a military enthusiast who prefers the level of violence in war themed films to be graphic and brutally realistic… you are going to either want to skip Beyond the Line or check your violent expectations at the door before viewing the movie. I honestly didn’t even pick up on the lack of carnage until deep into the movie when Baker and Summers wander into a house (where they encounter German soldiers) and the bullets start flying yet nothing in the house gets destroyed. That took me out of the film for a bit… but then a pretty big moment happens a few minutes later as Summers and Baker find themselves in the midst of a fire fight and I was right back in.

The action in Beyond the Line is secondary to the dramatic elements as Beyond the Line shines a light on the harsh reality of war… some men have to make the ultimate sacrifice so other men can go on and live a normal life.

Bonus Bullet Points:

• First Impression: The early scene with the British planes being shot down, was well done especially given the fact that the film was working with a limited budget.
• Favorite Quote: “Why do you have a death wish?” – Sydney Baker
• Triple Duty: Jason Mills was both the writer and director of the film and he even had a small role as one of the British soldiers at the start of the film.
• Tagline: Never Give Up
• Coming Soon: Beyond the Line will be available on VOD and DVD this Friday, June 28th, 2019.