8.6
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The River
2018·Show
·3Episodes in5Seasons·
The River fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking
- Tension9
- Fast Pace6
- Violence6
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy0
World
Class and money, everyday modern life, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumClass and money, everyday modern life, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around class and money, everyday modern life, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Class & Capitalism10Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
How much is enough?
A diamond discovery in the river running between the poor township of Refilwe and the affluent neighbourhood of Silver Lakes quickly turns from a blessing to a curse.
Socio-Economic DramaCrime ThrillerIntense Family DynamicsWealth DisparityMoral CorruptionContemporary South AfricaPower StruggleDark & GrittyCharacter-Driven Plot
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The River
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The River worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 8.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The River rated?
ViolenceStrong languageSexual contentDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, strong language, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does The River have?
5 seasons
It has 5 seasons with 3 episodes and is still in production.
When did The River air?
S1S2S5S3S4
It started in 2018 and is still in production.
What language is The River in?
ZuluEnglishTswanaXhosa
It was made in Zulu, with some English, Tswana, Xhosa. Produced in South Africa.
What tropes does The River use?
Living ShadowWhy Did It Have to Be Caves?Ooh, Me Accent's SlippingThe Cobbler's Children Have No ShoesWe Hardly Knew YeNot HimselfKill the Ones You LoveBullying a DragonJerkass GodsWilling ChannelerSadly MythtakenEvil Britand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for The River, including Living Shadow, Why Did It Have to Be Caves?, Ooh, Me Accent's Slipping.