Dark River
Performance & Direction: Dark River Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dark River (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dark River features a noteworthy lineup led by Ruth Wilson . Supported by the likes of Mark Stanley and Sean Bean , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Dark River
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Dark River is a Thriller, Drama, Mystery film directed by Clio Barnard. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ruth Wilson.
Ending Explained: Dark River
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Clio Barnard, Dark River attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Ruth Wilson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dark River reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Dark River?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Dark River
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Where to Watch Dark River Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeDark River Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about Dark River age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dark River is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, Dark River is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dark River worth watching?
Dark River is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dark River parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dark River identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dark River?
The total duration of Dark River is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
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Critic Reviews for Dark River
A story that highlights the extent of the mess a single abusive parent can leave behind, but also a glimpse of hope and recovery by confronting the trauma 7/10. Well acted by the two leads. This is a slow-burner, but very atmospheric and beautiful cinematography. We follow two siblings, where the sister returns after 15 years of absence to take over the farm business, after the death of their father. This confrontation leads to the resurfacing of buried trauma. Every happy memory the siblings had is overshadowed by the cowardly actions of their father. Both are incredibly strong, but fails to realize this, as the trauma engulfs it all. The charming life on a farm is seen in contrast to a realistic, dark and claustrophobic way of life, where greed is a major threat and temptation. But the sister is determined to realize her intentions to recover and repair the damage...
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
