Turn the River
Turn the River

Movie spotlight

Turn the River

2008
Movie
92 min
English

A pool shark takes the ultimate gamble when she kidnaps her own son and flees her ex-husband.

Insights

IMDb5.6/10
Director: Ben BoyerGenres: Drama, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

The story follows Ellen, a woman who has spent years building a life for her young son in a remote part of Maine after leaving a difficult past behind. When her ex-husband resurfaces, threatening to take their child, Ellen is forced to confront her past and make increasingly desperate choices to protect her son. Her actions draw the attention of a local sheriff, complicating her struggle for survival and a semblance of peace.

Critical Reception

Turn the River received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often highlighting Famke Janssen's performance and the film's atmospheric tension. Some praised its gritty portrayal of rural life and a compelling, if dark, narrative, while others found the pacing uneven or the plot somewhat predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • Famke Janssen delivers a strong, committed performance as a desperate mother.

  • The film effectively captures a bleak and isolated rural atmosphere.

  • While tense, the narrative occasionally suffers from predictable plot points and pacing issues.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Turn the River are scarce, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

Famke Janssen reportedly spent time in rural Maine to better understand the isolation and environment of her character.

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