6.3
Where can I stream The River legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The River
1984·Movie
The River fingerprint
Striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Spectacle6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Family, class and money, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, class and money, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, class and money, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
He might be able to hold back the river. But could he hold back the greed of man?
Tom and Mae Garvey are a Tennessee farming couple battling violent floods to save their land. In addition to natural disasters, the Garveys fight to stop a selfish land developer and a local corporation from foreclosing on their farm. While Mae stays at home to care for their children and tend to the crops, Tom finds work as a scab at a steel mill to preserve his family's property.
Farm DramaStruggling FamilyTennesseeEconomic HardshipNatural DisasterRural AmericaLove and SacrificeSocial Commentary
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The River
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The River worth watching?
44
WeakGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 45/100 (IMDb 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes 27%, and Metacritic 46). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The River rated?
PGViolence
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The River?
2 h 2 min
The River runs 2 h 2 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The River?
Critics37
Audiences49
Not quite. Audiences rate The River higher (49) than critics (37). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The River a box office hit?
Budget$18 million
Box office$12 million
No. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $12 million worldwide, 64% of its budget.
What language is The River in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The River?
17
+3
+3GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The River in 17 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.