The River Wild Poster
Action
Adventure
Thriller

The River Wild (1994) Review in 2025

7.5/10
Blockbuster

The River Wild is an action-packed adventure film about a family's thrilling journey down a treacherous river, where they encounter a group of ruthless kidnappers.

1 hour 55 minutes
English (Dubbed: None)
Age group: 13-25, Interests: Action, Adventure
Director:
Curtis Hanson
Budget: 35 million USD
Gross: 63 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

This movie is not suitable for young children due to its intense action and violence, but it's a great watch for families with older kids and adults.

CineReview Recommendation

This movie is worth watching for fans of action-adventure films and those who enjoy suspenseful stories with strong characters.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The movie follows the story of Wade, a charming but unstable man who takes a family hostage and forces them to navigate a treacherous river, where they face numerous challenges and dangers, including a massive waterfall.

Review Details

story8.00/10

The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear structure and a satisfying conclusion. However, it's not particularly original or memorable.

acting8.50/10

The acting is excellent, with the entire cast delivering strong performances.

characters8.50/10

The characters are well-developed and complex, with Meryl Streep delivering a standout performance as the determined and resourceful mother.

direction8.00/10

The direction is solid, with Curtis Hanson handling the action scenes and suspenseful moments effectively.

cinematography9.00/10

The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the stunning natural beauty of the river and its surroundings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The River Wild is a thrilling and visually stunning film with excellent performances from the cast, particularly Meryl Streep.

Cons

The story is not particularly original, and some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times.

Notable Quotes

"I'm not going anywhere!"
"You're not going anywhere!"

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Trailer