Life on the Line

Life on the Line

Year: 2016

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: David Hackl

ActionDrama

In this action thriller, John Travolta portrays Beau, a lineman grappling with the loss of his brother due to electrocution. When a dangerous storm threatens his Texas town, Beau must overcome his past and work to maintain the power supply. He joins forces with his estranged daughter, Bailey, and a team of dedicated linemen, including Duncan, to confront the escalating crisis and protect their community from being cut off.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Life on the Line yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Life on the Line (2016)

Trace every key event in Life on the Line (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

Power line site
5

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.

15 years later
6

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.

7

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.

Colleagues' party
8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

Train tracks
11

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.

Eugene and Carline's home
12

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.

Hospital
13

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.

14

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.

Memorial site
15

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.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:04

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bittersweet Disaster Thrillers like Life on the Line

Thrillers where heroic survival comes at a heavy personal cost.If you liked the high-tension action and heavy emotional cost in Life on the Line, explore more movies like it. This collection features gripping disaster stories where survival is hard-won and comes with a bittersweet toll, focusing on themes of sacrifice and resilience.

grippingtensetragicanxiousheroicmelancholicgrimhopeful

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a pattern of imminent catastrophe, forcing a group of professionals or everyday people into a desperate fight for survival. Character arcs are defined by overcoming past trauma or personal conflict to rise to the occasion. The climax delivers a resolution to the external threat, but often at the cost of key characters, resulting in a victory that feels earned yet mournful.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a specific tonal balance: the exhilarating pace and high stakes of a disaster movie combined with a sobering, emotionally heavy conclusion. They prioritize not just physical survival but the emotional weight of sacrifice.

Movies about Grief and Dangerous Jobs like Life on the Line

Stories of professionals healing past wounds while facing extreme danger.For viewers who appreciated the blend of family drama and high-risk profession in Life on the Line, this list finds similar movies. These stories explore how characters overcome grief and estrangement while performing dangerous, essential work, creating a tense and heavy viewing experience.

melancholictensegrippingtragichopefulanxiousemotionalgrim

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist haunted by a past loss, often connected to their dangerous work, which has caused a rift in their personal life. A new crisis forces them back into action, and through the shared ordeal, they find a path to reconciliation with family or colleagues. The external danger mirrors the internal emotional conflict, leading to catharsis.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their dual focus: the visceral tension of life-threatening professional scenarios and the profound, character-driven arc of overcoming grief and rebuilding family connections. The workplace danger directly catalyzes the emotional healing.

Unlock the Full Story of Life on the Line

Don't stop at just watching — explore Life on the Line in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Life on the Line is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Life on the Line Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Life on the Line, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Life on the Line Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Life on the Line

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Life on the Line. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Life on the Line

Life on the Line Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Life on the Line that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Life on the Line Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Life on the Line

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Life on the Line: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Life on the Line