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 – River's Edge (1987)

Trace every key event in River's Edge (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Tim Plays Near the Bridge

The film opens with young Tim, who enjoys a carefree day playing on a bridge. His joy is abruptly interrupted when he hears a shout and turns his attention to an unsettling scene nearby.

Bridge
2

Samson and the Lifeless Body

Tim spots Samson sitting next to the lifeless body of Jamie, who has met a tragic fate. The atmosphere becomes heavy with confusion and dread as Samson appears dazed next to the scene.

3

Samson's Shoplifting Incident

Later in a convenience store, Tim observes Samson stealing two beers. This encounter marks the beginning of their troubled relationship as Tim seeks out a sense of belonging.

Convenience Store
4

Tim Joins Samson's Car

Tim approaches Samson, asking for drugs and gets into his car, signaling his desire to escape his home life. Together, they drive to find Feck, hoping to score some illicit substances.

Samson's Car
5

Family Tensions at Home

Upon returning home, Tim finds his brother Matt arguing with their mother, highlighting the family's dysfunction. Their little sister, Kim, seeks help from Matt for a makeshift funeral for her lost doll.

Home
6

Layne Takes Matt Out

Layne arrives to pick up Matt but refuses to let Tim join them, which prompts Tim to cycle away in frustration. This moment illustrates Tim's feelings of isolation within his own family.

7

Meeting Feck

At Feck's house, Layne and Matt find him humorously playing a saxophone for an inflatable doll. Layne successfully acquires some drugs from Feck, who cryptically alludes to a dark secret about a girl he killed.

Feck's House
8

Anxiety and Secrets

As rumors of Jamie's murder spread, Matt begins feeling the pressure. Layne tries to find a truck for a getaway, and they witness the body being pulled from the river, deepening their remorse and anxiety.

9

Conflicts Intensify

Tensions rise when Clarissa, feeling pressured, is threatened by Layne for not keeping the murder a secret. The fear of consequences looms large over the group as they grapple with their moral dilemmas.

10

Layne Disposes of Jamie

That evening, Layne makes the grave decision to roll Jamie’s corpse into the river, believing he can protect himself. This act of desperation signifies a point of no return for the group.

River
11

Investigations Begin

Detective Bennett arrives to question Matt after realizing the severity of the situation. As Matt faces increasing pressure, home life becomes chaotic with confrontations erupting with their mother.

Home
12

Tensions with Tim

Tim confronts Matt about the secrets surrounding the murder, threatening to expose him to Layne. Their brotherly conflict culminates in a moment of intense rage and revelation.

13

Discovering the Doll

While skipping school with friends, Matt stumbles upon Feck’s lost doll floating in the river, symbolizing the fallout from their choices. This discovery adds to the growing tension between him and Layne.

River
14

The Climax

In a chaotic series of events, Layne discovers John's dead body, leading to a confrontation with Matt. Tensions explode as the police arrive to detain the group amid the escalating despair.

15

Aftermath and Reflection

The movie concludes with Jamie's funeral, where the children finally confront their emotions over the tragic events. The journey they traverse reflects their struggles with fear, guilt, and complex choices.

Funeral Site

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:54

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River's Edge Summary

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River's Edge Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in River's Edge

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Characters, Settings & Themes in River's Edge

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