River
River

Movie spotlight

River

2016
Movie
100 min
English

A nihilistic border detective is psychologically and emotionally terrorized by the disappearance of his 9 year old daughter. His life spirals into the deeper depths of darkness while frequenting the underworld of El Paso for clues, which leaves him gasping for air as sudden moments of clairvoyance lead him closer to regaining his previous life, his daughter, his wife and his sanity!

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users85%
Director: Abi MorganGenres: Crime Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

Detective John River is haunted by the ghosts of murder victims, which he sees and hears. He is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of his colleague and partner, DS Jackie Stevenson. As he investigates her murder, he must confront his own inner demons and the complex relationships within the police force. The series blurs the line between reality and hallucination as River delves deeper into the case.

Critical Reception

River received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and unique premise. Critics praised Stellan Skarsgård's central performance and the show's ability to blend psychological drama with a compelling crime narrative. The series was lauded for its emotional depth and innovative approach to the police procedural genre, earning comparisons to other acclaimed British dramas.

What Reviewers Say

  • A gripping and emotionally resonant crime drama with a standout performance from Stellan Skarsgård.

  • The supernatural element of 'seeing ghosts' adds a unique and thought-provoking layer to the police procedural.

  • Praised for its intelligent script and sensitive exploration of grief and trauma.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the show for its complex characters, intriguing mystery, and the profound emotional impact of its storytelling. Many viewers found the central concept of a detective who sees victims' ghosts to be original and well-executed, leading to a deeply engaging viewing experience. The performances, particularly Skarsgård's, were frequently highlighted as a major strength.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series. Stellan Skarsgård received a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actor.

Fun Fact

Writer Abi Morgan was inspired to create the show after reading about a detective who claimed to be able to see the ghosts of victims.

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