River's Edge

River's Edge

Year: 1987

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Tim Hunter

DramaCrime

On a riverbank outside their small California town, the dark secrets of adolescence unfold. Teenager Samson's fatal mistake lingers, as his friends gather to revel in the aftermath of his gruesome crime. Meanwhile, Layne's desperate attempts to silence them are threatened by Matt and Clarissa's growing unease, forcing them to confront the moral implications of their friend's horrific act.

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Timeline & Setting – River's Edge (1987)
Explore the full timeline and setting of River's Edge (1987). 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 a contemporary period reflective of the 1980s, marked by the struggles of youth grappling with societal issues like drug use and moral apathy. This era showcases the disillusionment facing teenagers and the consequences of their actions in a disconnected world.

Location

River, convenience store, school

The movie takes place in a small-town setting where a river flows through, symbolizing the lives intertwined by tragedy. A convenience store serves as a backdrop for the characters' illicit activities and poor choices. Additionally, the local school represents a traditional setting where youth confront ethical dilemmas amidst a backdrop of apathy.

🏞️ Nature 🏪 Store 🎓 Education

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Main Characters – River's Edge (1987)
Meet the key characters of River's Edge (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tim

Tim is a young boy who unwittingly becomes entangled in the darker aspects of his friends' lives. His curiosity leads him to seek out illicit activities, but he remains innocent compared to the others. This innocence contrasts sharply with the grim events that unfold around him.

👦 Youth 🤔 Innocence

Matt

Matt is the older brother struggling with familial dysfunction and the weight of secrets after Jamie's death. He embodies the conflict between loyalty to family and the moral imperative to do what's right, which culminates in his desperate attempts to protect his loved ones.

👨‍👦 Family 😟 Conflict

Layne

Layne presents a façade of bravado but grapples with the repercussions of his reckless behavior. His character embodies the darker side of teenage rebellion and the quest for identity amid chaos. His increasing desperation drives pivotal plot developments.

😈 Rebellion 🤯 Desperation

Clarissa

Clarissa is portrayed as a conflicted character torn between her feelings for Matt and the moral implications of the events around her. Her evolution throughout the film showcases the struggle of wanting connection while recognizing the destructive elements in her circle.

❤️ Love 😔 Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Major Themes – River's Edge (1987)
Explore the central themes of River's Edge (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss permeates throughout the film, primarily illustrated by Jamie's tragic death and its ripple effects on the characters. It examines how the characters deal with grief, guilt, and the harsh realities of life. The loss of innocence is also palpable as they navigate a morally complex landscape.

⚖️ Morality

Morality stands as a central theme, highlighting the characters' ethical dilemmas in the face of Jamie's death. The struggle between right and wrong forces them to confront their actions and the societal indifference towards violence and crime. The film invites viewers to ponder the consequences of apathy and moral failure.

🚨 Consequences

The narrative underscores the consequences of the characters' choices, particularly regarding illegal activities and their subsequent cover-ups. As the film progresses, the impact of their actions becomes evident, illustrating how decisions lead to a cycle of tragedy and remorse. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and accountability.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

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