River's Edge

River's Edge

Year: 1987

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Tim Hunter

DramaCrime

Near a riverbank outside a quiet California town, a shocking crime sends ripples through a group of teenagers. Samson's actions have devastating consequences, and his friends struggle to cope with the fallout. As they try to move on, Layne attempts to keep the truth hidden, but Matt and Clarissa become increasingly disturbed by the events. The group must confront the disturbing reality of their friend's actions and the moral implications that arise.

Warning: spoilers below!

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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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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bleak Teenage Moral Collapse Stories like River's Edge

Unflinching stories of youth confronting apathy and disturbing realities.If you liked the harrowing portrayal of teenage apathy in River's Edge, this thread features movies with similar themes of juvenile delinquency and moral decay. Discover other films that explore the grim realities faced by young characters in emotionally heavy, dark narratives.

grimdesolateapatheticmorally conflictedoppressiveanxiousdisillusioneddystopian youth

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a group of young characters as they grapple with a shocking event, often a crime. The plot focuses less on solving the mystery and more on the characters' internal moral conflicts, inertia, and the suffocating weight of complicity, usually culminating in a bleak resolution with little hope.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on teenage protagonists navigating extreme moral ambiguity and the psychological effects of violence. They share a dark, oppressive tone, heavy emotional weight, and a consistent atmosphere of grim realism.

Slow Burn Moral Dread Films like River's Edge

Stories where the weight of a secret slowly consumes the characters.For viewers who appreciated the steady, anxious buildup in River's Edge, this collection features movies with a similar slow burn pacing and themes of moral conflict. Find films where characters are trapped by a secret, leading to a heavy, bleak emotional journey.

anxioustensegrimmorally complexpsychologicaluneasyheavydread-filled

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central, disturbing event that occurs early on. The remainder of the story is a character-driven exploration of the aftermath, focusing on the psychological toll, betrayal, and the slow unraveling of relationships under the pressure of hiding the truth.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their shared mood of relentless anxiety and a steady pacing that maintains a consistent feeling of impending doom. They prioritize psychological tension over plot twists, exploring how guilt and complicity corrode individuals from within.

Unlock the Full Story of River's Edge

Don't stop at just watching — explore River's Edge 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's Edge is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

River's Edge Summary

Read a complete plot summary of River's Edge, 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's Edge Summary

River's Edge Timeline

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

River's Edge Timeline

River's Edge Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of River's Edge that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

River's Edge Spoiler-Free Summary

More About River's Edge

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about River's Edge: 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's Edge

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