Despite past scandals, Mel Gibson’s thriller becomes a top watch on Netflix, showcasing his undiminished appeal

Mel Gibson’s latest thriller, “On the Line,” released in 2022, has emerged as one of the top three most-watched films on Netflix in the last week. This development might surprise those unaware of Gibson’s ongoing involvement in the film industry, given his past controversies. 

Mel Gibson, once a Hollywood heavyweight, faced severe backlash following a series of public incidents, including a DUI arrest in Los Angeles. During the arrest, Gibson made headlines with a tirade filled with sexist and antisemitic remarks. This incident, coupled with his previous work on “The Passion of the Christ,” which critics accused of antisemitism, significantly tarnished his reputation. Despite a public apology and efforts to recover, Gibson’s career suffered further when he was recorded making threatening, racist comments towards his then-wife, leading to their divorce. These events cast a long shadow over Gibson, marking him as a controversial figure in the public eye.

Despite these setbacks, Gibson managed to direct “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016, a film that received six Oscar nominations, signalling a partial forgiveness from Hollywood. However, his subsequent roles have predominantly been in lower-profile action films and indie dramas, with “Daddy’s Home 2” in 2017 being his last major studio film. Since then, Gibson has appeared in 15 films, maintaining a steady presence in the industry.

“On the Line,” directed by Romuald Boulanger, features Gibson as Elvis Cooney, a late-night radio DJ in Los Angeles known for his provocative on-air behaviour. The film follows Elvis as he is manipulated by a caller, “Gary,” who claims to have taken his family hostage and coerces him into confessing his wrongdoings live on air. The plot thickens as Elvis discovers Gary is calling from within the studio, leading to a suspenseful search. Critics and audiences alike have been drawn to the film, possibly due to the parallels between Gibson’s on-screen penitence and his real-life controversies.

Despite its lukewarm critical reception, with a 20% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “On the Line” has found a new audience on Netflix, suggesting that viewers remain intrigued by Gibson’s work. His ability to attract an audience, regardless of his past, speaks to his enduring appeal.

Mel Gibson is set to direct “Flight Risk,” featuring Mark Wahlberg, indicating his continued influence in the film industry despite his contentious history.