Across the Line

Across the Line from 2015 is a gripping drama movie that stars Stephan James (as Mattie Slaughter), Sarah Jeffery (as April), and Steven Love (as Larry) in the lead roles. The movie is set in a small Canadian town that has deep-seated racial tension and discrimination.

Mattie Slaughter is a young and talented Black hockey player who comes from a humble background. He dreams of playing in the big leagues but faces racism and prejudice at every turn. He lives with his mother in a shabby apartment and works as a construction worker to support his family.

Mattie's life takes a turn for the worse when he witnesses an act of police brutality against a young Black boy. He tries to intervene but ends up being beaten by the cops himself. This incident fuels his anger and frustration, and he becomes more vocal about the racial injustices that exist in his town.

Meanwhile, April is a privileged White teenager who goes to school with Mattie. Despite being from different backgrounds, the two strike up a friendship over their shared love for hockey. April is also a talented player and is scouted by Cornell University for their team. Her parents are supportive of her dreams, but they are uncomfortable with her associating with Mattie, a Black boy.

Things come to a head when Mattie is racially profiled by the police and arrested for a crime he did not commit. The entire town is polarized, with some supporting Mattie and others believing he is guilty. April finds herself caught in the middle, torn between her loyalty to her friend and her parents' expectations.

As Mattie awaits trial, he becomes more and more disillusioned with the justice system, and his anger escalates. The tension in the town reaches a boiling point, and it seems like it's only a matter of time before violence breaks out.

Across the Line is a powerful and emotional movie that shines a light on the racial tension and systemic racism that still exists in many parts of the world. It's a story of friendship, prejudice, and injustice that will leave you with a lot to think about.

Stephan James delivers a fantastic performance as Mattie, portraying the character's anger and frustration with sensitivity and skill. Sarah Jeffery is also excellent as April, bringing depth and nuance to her role as a privileged teenager struggling with her own biases and prejudices.

The movie does an excellent job of highlighting the complexities of racial issues and how they affect different people in different ways. It's not just about good guys versus bad guys; it's about the systemic issues that create and perpetuate racism and how difficult it can be to break down those barriers.

Overall, Across the Line is a must-watch movie for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the racial tensions that still exist in the world today. It's a thought-provoking and emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.