River's Edge Poster

River's Edge 1986

★ 6.5309 votes100 min📅 1986-10-10

"Which was worse? The murder or what came after?"

Directed by Tim Hunter, *River's Edge* (1986) is a gripping crime drama that plunges into the moral decay of a small-town community after a shocking murder.

Director: Tim Hunter

Cast

Crispin Glover
Crispin Glover
Layne
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves
Matt
Ione Skye
Ione Skye
Clarissa
Roxana Zal
Roxana Zal
Maggie
Daniel Roebuck
Daniel Roebuck
Samson
Dennis Hopper
Dennis Hopper
Feck
Joshua John Miller
Joshua John Miller
Tim
Tom Bower
Tom Bower
Bennett
Danyi Deats
Danyi Deats
Jamie
Constance Forslund
Constance Forslund
Madeleine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is River's Edge (1986) about?

*River's Edge* follows a group of teenagers who discover their friend has committed a horrifying crime—murdering another teen—and must decide whether to report it or cover it up. The film delves into their fear, betrayal, and the toxic silence that binds them together.

Who directed River's Edge?

Tim Hunter directed *River's Edge*, crafting a film that's both a crime thriller and a character study of adolescent disillusionment.

Who stars in River's Edge?

The film features standout performances from Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye, Roxana Zal, and Dennis Hopper in a pivotal role.

Is River's Edge (1986) worth watching?

With its sharp direction and compelling performances, *River's Edge* is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and '80s cinema. Its themes of guilt and moral ambiguity make it a thought-provoking, if bleak, experience.

How long is River's Edge?

The film runs for 100 minutes, offering a tight, tense narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

🎥 Trailer

About River's Edge (1986) — A Morally Complex Crime Drama from the '80s

Directed by Tim Hunter, *River's Edge* (1986) is a gripping crime drama that plunges into the moral decay of a small-town community after a shocking murder. The film follows a group of high-school friends as they grapple with the aftermath of Samson's brutal killing of Jamie, forcing each to confront their own complicity and cowardice. Set against the bleak backdrop of suburban alienation, the story explores themes of loyalty, fear, and the chilling indifference of a town more concerned with appearances than justice. With its raw intensity and unflinching portrayal of youth gone wrong, *River's Edge* remains a haunting meditation on the cost of silence.

The ensemble cast, led by rising stars Crispin Glover and Keanu Reeves, delivers performances that crackle with tension and authenticity. Ione Skye and Roxana Zal round out the core group, while Dennis Hopper's cameo adds a layer of unpredictability. Hunter's direction infuses the film with a gritty realism, making *River's Edge* a standout in '80s cinema that still resonates today.