By Ian Kane
NR | 2h 8m | Drama, Sport | 2024
Most people outside the world of competitive inline skating are not familiar with the subculture on the periphery of mainstream athletics. The indie sports drama “Off the Line” (2024) opens the door into a sport driven by speed and focus, with very little room for mistakes.
Athletes of the sport operate with shocking velocity. With visceral immediacy, the film captures the terrifying speed of skaters moving around tight indoor rinks.
They crouch low, wheels humming against the polished floor; their bodies lean into turns at angles that feel dangerous even through the safety of a screen. Where are their kneepads? It’s a constant reminder of the physical vulnerability inherent in the sport.
“Off the Line” is visibly, and somewhat charmingly, a low-budget affair. Unlike the floors on which its skaters traverse, it lacks the glossy sheen of a studio sports movie. It’s devoid of sweeping crane shots or perfectly color-graded locker rooms.
Mark Stevenson (Samuel L. Pierce), in “Off the Line.” GJW+
The lighting often relies on the harsh fluorescents of the rinks. The sound design occasionally echoes with the hollowness of a boom mic in a gymnasium.
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Rather than detracting from the experience, these rough edges contribute to a sense of authenticity. The project was produced by young filmmakers who are deeply in love with the subject matter, and that sincerity shines through the technical limitations.
The Underdogs and the Goal
The narrative follows Mark Stevenson (Samuel L. Pierce, who also directs), a competitor trying to find his footing in the National Speedskating Circuit. Mark is the embodiment of the blue-collar athlete; he sticks to a rigid routine, trains daily, and watches well-funded teams get opportunities that seem perpetually out of his reach.
The plot kicks into gear when the circuit announces that it will finance an American team for the European Grand Prix, a grueling endurance race. For Mark, it could be the defining opportunity of his career.
Mark’s closest ally is Jake Flyer (Forrest Campbell), who provides the necessary levity to balance Mark’s intensity. Jake shows up at training, cracks jokes, and argues with Mark when the hours feel too long.
They push each other forward through long sessions and slower moments on the bench, displaying a chemistry that feels like genuine friendship. Mark and Jake eventually recruit Danny Peterson (Doran Danielson), a coach whose experience might shape their raw talent into something podium-worthy.
Winston Law (Jeremy Moller) schemes behind the scenes, in “Off the Line.” GJW+
The antagonist is Tropen Racing, a European team that carries the reputation of being dominant and, crucially, well-funded. Represented by Winston Law (Jeremy Moller), Tropen arrives with a level of polish and structure that Mark and Jake’s group has never seen.
The contrast between the two teams mirrors the meta-narrative of the film itself: the slick, well-funded giants versus the tenacious, scrappy upstarts.
The passion of the filmmakers occasionally gets in the way of the storytelling. At 128 minutes long, the film lags a bit in the second act. The filmmakers often indulge in one-too-many training montages and locker room conversations that reiterate points already made. A better edit could have tightened the narrative coil to keep the momentum high.
For those who enjoy studying the mechanics of new sports, watching the process offers a unique satisfaction. Some of the best scenes occur when fatigue starts setting in, as a skater’s shoulders slump and conversations stretch into exhausted silences.
Relationships and Restraint
Angela (Hana Hyde) and Mark Stevenson (Samuel L. Pierce), in “Off the Line.” GJW+
Fortunately, the film avoids over-dramatizing the personal lives of the characters. There’s a romantic side to the story involving Angela (Hana Hyde), who shows up in moments that remind you there’s a world outside the rink.
She talks with Mark between sessions, and, refreshingly, their interactions don’t explode into sappy melodrama. The low-budget nature of the film actually helps here; without the pressure to create Hollywood-style romantic conflicts, it reminds us of how relationships can get nudged aside when someone is striving for a singular goal.
Mark Stevenson (Samuel L. Pierce, R) shows passion and performance, in “Off the Line.” GJW+
The Final Lap
When the European Grand Prix finally arrives, the intensity level rises because viewers have watched every grueling minute of the preparation. The race demands that teams keep pace for 24 hours, maintaining attention on every turn and responding instantly when someone slips up.
The climax tests the athletes’ stamina and, above all, their teamwork. The audio mix becomes a chaotic symphony of wheels slicing through the air with grunts of effort. It’s gritty, unpolished, and thoroughly engaging.
“Off the Line” pulls you in line with a world that feels tactile and realistic, flaws and all. While the pacing stumbles a bit, and the technical aspects are rough, it’s inspiring to see young filmmakers putting something together like this with such obvious heart.
I hope that Samuel L. Pierce and his team keep going, expanding their skills, and refining their craft. They have the passion; with time and experience, the polish will surely follow.
“Off the Line” is available on GJW+
‘Off the Line’ Director: Samuel L. Pierce Starring: Samuel L. Pierce, Forrest Campbell, Doran Danielson Not Rated Running time: 2 hours, 8 minutes Release Date: June 2, 2024 Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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