River
River

Movie spotlight

River

2014
Movie
90 min
Russian

Two young couples are camping at the river side and horrible and mystical things are about to happen after one of the women drowns.

Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users94%
Director: Ben ChananGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

Detective John River is haunted by the ghosts of his past, particularly the victims he couldn't save, who appear to him as hallucinations. He is investigating the murder of a young woman, Stevie, who worked for him and whom he clearly cared for. As River delves deeper into the case, his grip on reality and his own sanity begins to unravel.

Critical Reception

River received widespread critical acclaim for its compelling narrative, atmospheric tension, and a powerful performance from Stellan Skarsgård. Critics lauded the show's unique take on the police procedural genre, blending psychological drama with supernatural elements, and praised its exploration of grief, guilt, and the human psyche.

What Reviewers Say

  • Stellan Skarsgård delivers a masterclass performance as a detective tormented by his past.

  • A gripping and atmospheric thriller that offers a fresh perspective on the police procedural.

  • The show masterfully balances its supernatural elements with grounded emotional drama.

Google audience: Audiences praised the show's originality and the captivating performance of Stellan Skarsgård. Many viewers found the storyline deeply engaging and emotionally resonant, appreciating its dark and introspective tone. The supernatural elements were generally well-received, adding a unique layer to the mystery.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor (Stellan Skarsgård).

Fun Fact

The show's creator, Abi Morgan, was inspired to write River after experiencing personal grief and considering how one might cope with the lingering presence of lost loved ones.

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