Year: 2003
Runtime: 86 mins
Language: English
Director: Kari Skogland
Produced for the Sci‑Fi Channel and adapted from Philip José Farmer’s novel series, the film is set on Riverworld—a vast, enigmatic continent where a colossal river winds through a landscape that resurrects every human who ever died from 99,000 BC to 2200 AD, forcing them to confront a new, perilous existence.
Get a spoiler-free look at Riverworld (2003) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where a single, endless river carves through an alien continent, every human who ever lived is given a second chance. The landscape is at once familiar and otherworldly—jade‑green waters lapping against a shoreline strewn with the remnants of countless ages, while a gentle climate cloaks the mystery of this new existence. The premise is simple yet limitless: a place where history converges, and the only certainty is the unknown that stretches downstream.
When a meteor shower claims his life, Jeff Hale awakens beneath a translucent bubble on the riverbank, surrounded by strangers from every corner of humanity’s timeline. He quickly discovers that clothing, language, and even the very notion of time have been reshaped into a common vocabulary that allows a former astronaut to converse with a pre‑Civil War enslaved woman, a Holocaust survivor, and an ancient traveler from a distant continent. Alice Lidell Hargreaves, Mali, and Lev Ruach each bring their own memories and hopes, forming an uneasy camaraderie that hints at deeper connections beyond the bounds of their original eras.
The film balances awe‑inspiring wonder with an undercurrent of tension, as the cast navigates a world that is both hospitable and unsettlingly strange. The tone is a blend of speculative curiosity and intimate drama, inviting viewers to imagine how people from disparate pasts might rebuild society, grapple with purpose, and forge relationships when stripped of the familiar structures of their former lives. With the river’s endless current as both a literal and metaphorical guide, the story promises a journey of discovery—exploring what it means to be human when the past is physically present and the future lies just beyond the next bend.
Last Updated: October 23, 2025 at 16:16
Don't stop at just watching — explore Riverworld 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 Riverworld is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Riverworld, 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.
Track the full timeline of Riverworld with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.