River of Grass

River of Grass

Year: 1995

Runtime: 76 min

Language: English

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Drama

In this darkly comedic drama, writer/director Kelly Reichardt returns to her southern Florida roots for a poignant portrayal of disaffected youth and the struggles of growing up. Shot on 16mm, River of Grass follows "Cozy" and "Lee", two lost souls navigating the suburban landscape in search of meaning, as they confront their own aimlessness and the complexities of adulthood.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – River of Grass (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of River of Grass (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern challenges and social dynamics of ordinary life. It explores themes of dissatisfaction and ennui that resonate with many individuals in today's society.

Location

Florida

The movie takes place in Florida, known for its warm climate and vibrant culture. It serves as a backdrop for Cozy and Lee's unexpected adventures. From bar scenes to the open road, Florida's landscapes represent a mix of leisure and criminality.

🏝️ Tropical 🚗 Road Trip

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 06:37

Main Characters – River of Grass (1995)

Meet the key characters of River of Grass (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cozy

Cozy is a dissatisfied housewife in her thirties who yearns for excitement and meaning in her life. Despite her initial thrill-seeking, she struggles with a sense of ennui and moral ambiguity, leading to impulsive decisions that drive the film's conflict. Her character represents the conflict between duty and desire.

👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood 😔 Dissatisfaction

Lee

Lee is an immature and aimless deadbeat who becomes Cozy's partner in adventure. His lack of ambition and repeated hesitations illustrate the struggle between fantasy and reality, as he pulls Cozy into a world of potential crime while being notably cowardly about committing serious acts. His character serves as a catalyst for Cozy's transformative journey.

🌪️ Recklessness 😬 Ambivalence

Jimmy

Jimmy, Cozy's father and a crime scene investigator, reflects the tone of disillusionment and frustration. His own struggles, including being suspended from work, emphasize the generational themes of dissatisfaction and the absurdity of their circumstances. His character adds a layer of family dynamics to the narrative.

👨‍👧 Family 💼 Work Struggles

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 06:37

Major Themes – River of Grass (1995)

Explore the central themes of River of Grass (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔫 Desperation

Desperation is a prevalent theme in 'River of Grass,' as Cozy seeks excitement and meaning outside her mundane life. Her encounters with Lee lead her down a path of reckless decisions, showcasing how quickly one can spiral into chaos. The narrative explores the lengths people will go to escape their reality.

🎭 Identity

The theme of identity plays a crucial role as Cozy grapples with her sense of self as a mother and a wife. The film portrays her struggle to reconnect with her desires and ambitions, framing her journey as one of self-discovery amidst the thrill of uncertainty.

🚓 Crime & Consequences

The film touches on crime and its consequences, depicting the characters' misguided attempts to escape their lives. Cozy and Lee's low-level delinquency highlights the thin line between mundane existence and criminal activity, reflecting the unpredictability of their choices.

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 06:37

Unlock the Full Story of River of Grass

Don't stop at just watching — explore River of Grass in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what River of Grass is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

River of Grass Summary

Read a complete plot summary of River of Grass, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

River of Grass Summary

River of Grass Timeline

Track the full timeline of River of Grass with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

River of Grass Timeline

More About River of Grass

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about River of Grass: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About River of Grass

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River of Grass (1995) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

River of Grass (1995) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline