The River
Performance & Direction: The River Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The River (1984) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The River features a noteworthy lineup led by Mel Gibson . Supported by the likes of Sissy Spacek and Scott Glenn , 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: The River
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1984, The River is a Drama film directed by Mark Rydell. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mel Gibson.
Ending Explained: The River
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Mark Rydell, The River concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Mel Gibson, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The River reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The River?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mel Gibson or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The River
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $11.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The River Budget
The estimated production budget for The River is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The River
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The River Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe River Parents Guide & Age Rating
1984 AdvisoryWondering about The River age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The River is 122 minutes (2h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The River is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1984 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The River worth watching?
The River is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The River parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The River identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The River?
The total duration of The River is 122 minutes, which is approximately 2h 2m long.
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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.
