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River's Edge

Play trailer Poster for River's Edge R 1987 1h 38m Drama Crime Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
88% Tomatometer 42 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Teenage burnout Samson (Daniel Roebuck) has murdered his girlfriend and left her naked body lying on the bank of a river just outside their small California town. He not only doesn't run away, he brings his friends to gawk at her dead body. Speed freak Layne (Crispin Glover) tries to force the teens' silence to protect their friend, but conscience is gnawing at the others -- particularly Matt (Keanu Reeves) and Clarissa (Ione Skye Leitch), who want to go to the police.

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River's Edge

River's Edge

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Critics Consensus

A harrowing tale of aimless youth, River's Edge generates considerable tension and urgency thanks to strong performances from a stellar cast that includes Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, and Ione Skye.

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Critics Reviews

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Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel Nov 11, 2013
The triumph of this bleak, unsettling picture is that, no matter how grim it gets, it's far too involving for you to turn away. Go to Full Review Michael Wilmington Los Angeles Times Nov 11, 2013
River's Edge is a contemporary horror story about teen-agers, but it contains no slasher scenes or serial homicides. Its monsters are all too real. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety Jul 18, 2007
An unusually downbeat and depressing youth pic. Go to Full Review Steve Warren Bay Area Reporter Mar 29, 2023
Many of the young actors in River's Edge should be heard from again, with Reeves a particular standout. Go to Full Review Mitchell Beaupre Paste Magazine Sep 23, 2022
9.5/10
There’s something specifically unsettling in the authentic way that River’s Edge captures the pervading ennui of eking out an existence in this type of go-nowhere place. Go to Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Aug 24, 2022
A
The passage of 35 years has made River’s Edge feel more timelessly tragic. Other than a few bits of score that briefly make the movie sound like a banal ‘80s thriller, it has aged very, very well. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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B L @Blinvill Jul 7, 2026 Overrated for sure. Slow and pretty stupid plot. Not sure what really happened since this is based on a true story but probably not what was shown here. See more Ian R @RT23899272 Jul 6, 2026 Slow start, to get over the awkward premise. It's definitely worth watching. Once the film gets into its stride it's compelling. Some great performances sure help. Plus the 1980's setting is real and the theme song is classic Madonna. See more Blake- N @PBSAniDom May 17, 2026 River's Edge is a striking and unsettling drama that left a strong impression on me. It captures a bleak, grounded atmosphere that feels authentic and difficult to shake long after it ends. The performances are strong across the board, with the cast delivering natural and restrained work that makes the story feel more real. The film handles its heavy themes with a quiet intensity that adds a lot of weight without overexplaining anything. While the pacing can feel slow at times, it ultimately works in favor of the film’s mood. It builds tension in a subtle, understated way rather than relying on constant action or spectacle, which may not work for everyone. Overall, this is a thoughtful and disturbing coming-of-age drama that lingers in your mind. It is not an easy watch, but it is a memorable one. I would rate River's Edge an 8/10. See more Christine R @RT61982011 May 14, 2026 I don’t get the hype. This movie is stupid and boring. Terrible. See more Frans B @FransB Apr 22, 2026 Very unsettling but very well done. Great story, well written. Good cinematography adds to grim ambiance. Very capable cast all excels in character. Carelessness and real monsters showcased in aimless teenager lives. Leaves an impression for sure See more artie m @everythings_brownn Jan 2, 2026 I loved this movie, I love Crispin Glover. See more Read all reviews
River's Edge

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Cast & Crew

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Tim Hunter

Director

Crispin Glover

Layne

Keanu Reeves

Matt

Dennis Hopper

Feck

Ione Skye

Clarissa

Roxana Zal

Maggie

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River's Edge

River's Edge (1987) River's Edge (1987) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Teenage burnout Samson (Daniel Roebuck) has murdered his girlfriend and left her naked body lying on the bank of a river just outside their small California town. He not only doesn't run away, he brings his friends to gawk at her dead body. Speed freak Layne (Crispin Glover) tries to force the teens' silence to protect their friend, but conscience is gnawing at the others -- particularly Matt (Keanu Reeves) and Clarissa (Ione Skye Leitch), who want to go to the police.
Director
Tim Hunter
Producer
Sarah Pillsbury, Midge Sanford
Screenwriter
Neal Jimenez
Production Co
Hemdale Film Corporation [us], Sanford/Pillsbury Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Drama, Crime
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.2M
Runtime
1h 38m
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