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The River Wild

Play trailer Poster for The River Wild PG-13 1994 1h 51m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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64% Tomatometer 39 Reviews 52% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Fast-paced thriller in which a young family on a white-water rafting adventure in Montana are taken hostage by a pair of dangerous fugitives. The rafting holiday - a birthday gift for the New England couple's ten-year-old son - turns into a nightmare when the two armed killers take control and try to force the mother, a proficient rafter, to use her skills to help them escape down the treacherous rapids.
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The River Wild

Critics Reviews

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Nigel Andrews Financial Times 02/12/2024
This is the movies, and director Curtis Hanson throws so much water at us that we are too enjoyably discomposed to think anyway. Go to Full Review
Geoff Brown The Times (UK) 02/12/2024
Go and have fun; and wear waterproof clothing. Go to Full Review
Sheila Johnston Independent (UK) 02/12/2024
The film is energetically directed by Curtis Hanson, and it's certainly a refreshing change to see an action heroine at the helm, bossing all the men about. Go to Full Review
Philip French Observer (UK) 02/12/2024
The sympathetic characters are likeable, the chief villain someone you hope to see blown away, the stuntwork on the rapids is terrific. Go to Full Review
Quentin Falk Sunday Mirror (UK) 02/10/2024
3/5
Meryl Streep proves she's an all-acting heroine in The River Wild, an exciting though predictable outdoor thriller. Go to Full Review
Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot 02/25/2022
3/4
The scenery, mostly photographed in Montana, is spectacular. The musical score, composed by the always-rousing Jerry Goldsmith, is lively. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Mo S. @9mr_0 Dec 3 فلم حلو و التصوير جميل جدا See more Rohan H Oct 31 The River Wild (1994) is an exhilarating blend of adventure, family drama, and suspense — a film that keeps you on edge while reminding you of the power of courage and love. Directed by Curtis Hanson, it’s a gripping survival thriller set against some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes ever captured on film. Meryl Streep stars as Gail Hartman, a strong-willed former river guide who sets out on a white-water rafting trip with her husband (David Strathairn) and young son (Joseph Mazzello). What begins as a family getaway quickly turns dangerous when two mysterious strangers, played by Kevin Bacon and John C. Reilly, join them on the river — and their true intentions turn the journey into a fight for survival. Meryl Streep is outstanding, as always. She brings depth and authenticity to Gail, portraying her not just as a heroine but as a mother and woman rediscovering her strength under pressure. Her physical commitment to the role is remarkable — performing many of her own stunts — and she imbues every scene with emotional realism. Kevin Bacon is magnetic as the charming yet menacing antagonist, giving one of the most chilling and charismatic performances of his career. David Strathairn is excellent as the quiet, underestimated husband who rises to the challenge, and their evolving dynamic adds genuine heart to the film. Curtis Hanson’s direction is tight and confident, balancing intense action sequences with emotional storytelling. The river itself becomes a character — beautiful, unpredictable, and dangerous — brought to life through spectacular cinematography that captures both its serenity and its fury. The white-water rafting scenes are brilliantly executed, blending real danger with cinematic artistry. Jerry Goldsmith’s rousing musical score enhances the tension and adventure, giving the film an epic feel without losing intimacy. What makes The River Wild stand out is how it combines action with emotional depth. It’s not just about survival — it’s about resilience, family, and rediscovering inner strength. Gail’s journey mirrors the river itself: turbulent, powerful, and ultimately redemptive. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 23 Success in 1 hour and 51 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $46,500,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Mar 30 Ok, watching now in 2025. The movie is a bit dated so it doesn't play as well but it was just a 'good' movie then. Meryl and Bacon and John are all great actors but the film is a bit meh. Some parts were quizzical. Why, when this river is some kind of beast- does she laugh or make light of it during? Bacon was good- but should've been Much darker or conniving and John should've probably said less or been more menacing. This feels like something that could've had greater impact with a more stout director asking his actors for ways they weren't being during the filming. I Will keep it in my collection but it's really close to Not keeping. See more Gerald H 11/18/2024 Squandering talent. And yes, she iS the greatest actress abroad. But I really hate those movies where they try to sell her as attractive girl. She isn‘t. See more Chris K 11/06/2024 Let's just say I wathced it again as an adult, and can't understand why anyone ever liked it. See more Read all reviews
The River Wild

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Movie Info

Synopsis Fast-paced thriller in which a young family on a white-water rafting adventure in Montana are taken hostage by a pair of dangerous fugitives. The rafting holiday - a birthday gift for the New England couple's ten-year-old son - turns into a nightmare when the two armed killers take control and try to force the mother, a proficient rafter, to use her skills to help them escape down the treacherous rapids.
Director
Curtis Hanson
Producer
David Foster, Lawrence Turman
Screenwriter
Denis O'Neill
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Universal Pictures, David Foster Productions, Turman-Foster Company
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 30, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 3, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$46.5M
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
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