River's Edge

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Sarfaraz A Neal Jimenez wrote the script for this crime thriller, which Tim Hunter directed. The cast includes Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye Leitch, Crispin Glover, and Dennis Hopper. The plot of the film is loosely based on an actual murder that occurred in 1981. A young obese guy murders his friend by strangling her and leaves her nude body by the river. He brings a couple of school acquaintances, both boys and girls, to see the dead body. Earlier, a 12-year-old boy saw the dead body. Crispin, one of the friends who appear to be the boss, wants to assist cover up the murder, despite the wishes of the others. Keanu, upset by what he seen, makes an anonymous call to the police to notify them. We see Keanu's younger brother, who is pretty mean to his sister, is also a weed addict, and brandishes a gun at his older brother. At least some of these youngsters want to do good, but they are also frightened of upsetting their boss friend. The film contains strong acting and some tense scenes near the conclusion. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/26/25 Full Review Julian S There’s something intriguing about RIVER’S EDGE, but it never quite hits its stride. Crispin Glover is magnetic as the unhinged best friend, yet his eccentricity overwhelms a script that struggles to find its energy and direction. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/21/25 Full Review Wayne K A dark and refreshingly raw exploration of grief, the vulnerability of friendship and the apathy that comes with living a life of misery, Rivers Edge is a film I was only made aware of via a recommendation for a podcast episode, and it’s something I’m very thankful for. With some big names like Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper & Crispin Glover, alongside some lesser known performers and even some debutants, everyone gets a chance to demonstrate their acting chops, but its Glover that consistently stands out. You can criticise his character for being annoying, something the other characters even do, but it feels like, above everyone else, he’s the one that’s really giving a performance, and throwing himself into the psyche of this character. He’s over the top and eccentric, but there’s a genuine look in his eye, an absence of winking self-awareness that makes it easier to buy what he’s selling. The films itself is something of an amalgamation of Stand By Me & Gummo. We see individuals who are so used to life at the bottom, living with violence, dissolution and general hopelessness that a tragic event isn’t even enough to shake them out of their apathetic state. But as things go on we see more and more how this event starts to affect them, and the friendship that previously held them together starts to fracture. The cinematography is suitably bleak and devoid of spark, and the dialogue feels natural and devoid of posturing or platitudes. It’s a hard hitting film that deals with real issues, even if we’d rather not admit how common they are, and if you ever sit down to watch this one, don’t expect an easy ride. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/04/24 Full Review mark g Will stay with you. Has that great coming of age/midnight movie feel to it. Funny and dark as hell at the same time Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/24/24 Full Review Jelisije J A movie that deals with a lot of themes and messages about teens and their struggles in life, but not a re watchable film due to its poor acting and laughable script. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 07/19/23 Full Review Audience Member One of my favorite 80s movies Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/14/22 Full Review Read all reviews

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