Die Linie

There's so much more psychological depth to this movie than first meets the eye. It's what isn't said that becomes the narrative.

Love and hatred are just a step away, only separated by a blue line painted on the ground in this dysfunctional oddball family.

The infantile mother neglects her duties when it suits her and and resents her oldest daughter Margaret for ruining her carreer as a concert pianist.

The daughters show typical parentification behavior when a Mom (or Dad) is emotionally unavailable. They go to extremes to protect their fragile family unit. The youngest angelic sister paints a protective boundary whilst Margaret nourishes the emotional bond by providing daily singing lessons.

The closing scene teeters on the hope of reconciliation between the mother and Margaret who pitifully yearns for her love. But what can we expect? She could never step over the line and better herself. Even before the physical attack she was already tone-deaf to her children's needs.