
Across the River and into the Trees 2023
Paula Ortiz's *Across the River and into the Trees (2023)* transports viewers to post-WWII Venice, where the weight of war lingers like a ghost over the canals and cobblestone streets.
Director: Paula Ortiz
Cast









Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Across the River and into the Trees (2023)* about?
The film follows Colonel Richard Cantwell, a battle-scarred American officer in post-WWII Venice, as he confronts his mortality while revisiting the city he once loved. His solitary retreat takes an unexpected turn when he meets a young woman whose spirit reignites his will to live, blending Hemingway's prose with a deeply human story of redemption.
Who directed *Across the River and into the Trees*?
Paula Ortiz, known for her evocative storytelling in films like *La Novia* and *The Teacher*, directs this poignant adaptation.
Who stars in *Across the River and into the Trees*?
The film features Liev Schreiber as Colonel Cantwell, Matilda De Angelis as his serendipitous companion, alongside Josh Hutcherson, Laura Morante, and Danny Huston in pivotal roles.
Is *Across the River and into the Trees (2023)* worth watching?
With its heavy themes of war, mortality, and fleeting connection, this drama isn't for everyone—but Schreiber's performance alone makes it compelling. Fans of Hemingway's work or melancholic character studies will find much to appreciate in Ortiz's visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
How long is *Across the River and into the Trees*?
The runtime is 106 minutes.
Across the River and into the Trees (2023): Paula Ortiz's Haunting Venice Drama — Full Movie Info
Paula Ortiz's *Across the River and into the Trees (2023)* transports viewers to post-WWII Venice, where the weight of war lingers like a ghost over the canals and cobblestone streets. Liev Schreiber delivers a masterclass as Colonel Richard Cantwell, a hardened American officer battling terminal illness with quiet defiance. Seeking solace in his old haunts, Cantwell's carefully laid plans crumble when fate introduces him to a radiant young woman—played with magnetic charm by Matilda De Angelis—whose presence slowly rekindles the embers of hope within him. This atmospheric drama weaves Hemingway's poignant prose into a cinematic meditation on resilience, love, and the fleeting moments that define a life.
As Cantwell navigates his twilight days, the film contrasts the beauty of Venice with the ache of his past, capturing both the serenity of water and the turbulence of memory. With a stellar ensemble including Josh Hutcherson and Danny Huston, Ortiz crafts a story that's equal parts melancholic and tender, where every glance and gesture feels loaded with unspoken meaning. *Across the River and into the Trees* isn't just a war veteran's swan song—it's a timeless reflection on what it means to keep moving forward, even when the river ahead seems uncrossable.