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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for River's Edge.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is River's Edge Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1986)

A group of high-school friends must come to terms with the fact that one of them, Samson, killed another, Jamie. Faced with the brutality of death, each must decide whether to turn...

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Crime, Drama, Thriller cinema, then River's Edge offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1986 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Crime films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of Thriller films

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

River's Edge stands as a 1986 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Crime, Drama, Thriller landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A group of high-school friends must come to terms with the fact that one of them, Samson, killed another, Jamie. Faced with the brutality of death, each must decide whether to turn their friend in to the police, or to help him escape the consequences of his dreadful deed."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Crispin Glover's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is River's Edge worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Drama, Thriller films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, River's Edge is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

100MIN

At approximately 1.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.