Mel Gibson is the star in Romuald Boulanger’s action-thriller movie “On the Line,” which was released in 2022. Elvis Cooney, a shock jock, encounters a difficult scenario while working a shift. Elvis receives a call from an enigmatic stranger when he is working a night shift at the radio station. Elvis is forced to confront terrible secrets while performing a series of action-packed activities since the caller threatens his family. The surprising conclusion, however, will leave viewers stunned as they are forced to reevaluate the events of the movie. Therefore, viewers must be seeking explanations for its unexpected ending. In that case, below is a thorough analysis of “One the Line’s” conclusion. Spoilers follow!
On the Line Plot Synopsis
Elvis Cooney, a Los Angeles radio jockey, is the subject of the television show “On the Line.” Elvis likes to play practical pranks on people and produces a radio show where he invents disturbing scenarios for the listeners. Elvis bids his wife and daughter good night before leaving for his normal night stint at the radio station. But in the foyer, he meets an enigmatic man who says he knows Elvis. He challenges Elvis to broadcast him and declares himself to be the “messiah,” the return of Jesus. Elvis sends him on his way after handling the problem diplomatically.
Dylan, the new radio station intern assigned to work with Elvis, is also introduced. Elvis, however, pranks the new intern to give Dylan a warm welcome. Together with Mary, his switchboard operator, Elvis begins his show and goes on the air. Gary, one of the listeners, calls him. The man says he has Olivia and Adria, Elvis’ wife and daughter, in custody and wants to reveal Elvis’ lies. If he is removed from the radio, he says he will harm Elvis’ family. Elvis is consequently compelled to continue speaking with Gary.
Gary adds that he is seeking retribution against Elvis because one of Elvis’ cruel practical jokes led Lauren, a switchboard operator, to take her own life. Elvis is coerced by him to admit to abusing Lauren and having an affair with Mary. Elvis agrees, but Gary coerces him into scaling the structure’s roof and jumping off. Elvis tries to con Gary on the roof into thinking he leapt off with Dylan’s assistance. The trick is discovered by a drone, and Gary then shoots twice, indicating that Olvia and Adria have passed away.
Elvis, who is devastated, descends the roof. Gary, however, reveals that his family is still alive and is huddled somewhere in the structure. Elvis concludes that Gary is also hiding inside the structure as a result. Elvis is made to complete a number of activities by Gary in order to save his family. Together, Elvis and Dylan search for Elvis’ family while devising a strategy to eliminate Gary. Gary, though, is constantly one step ahead of the other two. The rest of the plot revolves around Elvis’ ability to save his family or failure to do so.
On the Line Ending: Does Elvis Save His Family?
Gary reveals at the end of his torturous schemes that his wife and daughter are both covered in time bombs. Gary is in possession of the deceased man’s switch to the bombs, but Elvis catches him. Bruce, a member of the LAPD SWAT unit, eventually shows up and takes charge of the situation but is unable to defuse the bombs. Elvis is consequently compelled to work out a deal with Gray. If Dylan agrees to stand in for Elvis’ wife and daughter, Gary will release them. Gary forces Dylan to don the bomb vests before killing Bruce despite Dylan’s reluctance. Gary flips the switch just as Dylan is about to die. The bombs don’t go off, though, and Dylan is startled to discover Gary and Elvis laughing together.
Elvis admits that everything that happened before this point was a part of a well-planned prank. He returns Dylan to the broadcast room, where he discovers that everyone who was supposed to have passed away over the night is still alive and healthy. Gary is an actor who makes scary YouTube videos, according to Elvis. The entire episode was carried live on the radio as the two worked together to fool Dylan. The joke was played on all of the radio station’s employees. Mary wasn’t Elvis’ lover, though. Furthermore, an actor pretended to be his wife and daughter when they were never present on the property. The night of horrors finally comes to an end, but Dylan did not anticipate it. Elvis clarifies that it’s actually the crew’s way of introducing the new person.
Is Dylan Dead?
Dylan is traumatized after finding out the truth about what happened that night. His trick is only intended to shock people, and thousands of radio listeners are sold on his agony. Dylan exits the space but unintentionally trips and tumbles. The radio station staff notices he has died when he snaps his neck. Elvis freezes in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. He makes the decision to stop being a shock jockey and resigns from his position at the radio station. As the press and police come at the radio station in the morning, Elvis’ wife picks him up in a taxi. Olivia is furious with Elvis and holds him responsible for Dylan’s demise. She also objects to his fondness for offensive practical jokes. In spite of this, she takes the time to wish Elvis a happy birthday.
When the car’s driver finally emerges, Elvis is relieved to recognize Dylan. When the station staff participates in the festivities, it is made known that Dylan is actually Max, a stunt performer. He was employed by the station staff to play a birthday joke on Elvis. Dylan is ultimately still alive, just like everyone else we believed had died during the night. With Dylan/Max’s assistance, the master practical joker is pranked by his coworkers and receives a dose of his own medicine. Elvis does not, however, appear to have taken this lesson to heart. Elvis tells his colleagues at the end of the movie that his vengeance prank will be more evil than their scheme. As a result, what first appeared to be a terrible night with significant stakes is actually just a game of wits.