Many of the young actors in River's Edge should be heard from again, with Reeves a particular standout.

| Mar 29, 2023

There’s something specifically unsettling in the authentic way that River’s Edge captures the pervading ennui of eking out an existence in this type of go-nowhere place.

| Original Score: 9.5/10 | Sep 23, 2022

The passage of 35 years has made River’s Edge feel more timelessly tragic. Other than a few bits of score that briefly make the movie sound like a banal ‘80s thriller, it has aged very, very well.

| Original Score: A | Aug 24, 2022

Glover is simply brilliant here.

| Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 21, 2020

...the acting is quite strong from almost everybody, but maybe the most interesting thing here is the emphasis on what it means to feel deeply.

| Mar 26, 2020

The triumph of this bleak, unsettling picture is that, no matter how grim it gets, it's far too involving for you to turn away.

| Nov 11, 2013

River's Edge is a contemporary horror story about teen-agers, but it contains no slasher scenes or serial homicides. Its monsters are all too real.

| Nov 11, 2013

A powerful sociological film on white teenage alienation in small-town America, that is even more amazing that it's based on an actual event.

| Original Score: A | Apr 16, 2013

One of the most haunting films of the 1980s, River's Edge looks at a suburban, postpunk generation which has no causes, no morals, no feelings, and, worst of all, no future.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 18, 2007

An unusually downbeat and depressing youth pic.

| Jul 18, 2007

It's more a success than a failure, if only because the confusions are so protean.

| Jul 18, 2007

Based on an actual incident in Northern California, Tim Hunter's controversial indie addresses the growing alienation and moral vacancy among youths growing up in drug-oriented and media-saturated society; Keanu Reeves is perfectly cast.

| Original Score: A- | Dec 14, 2006

There are some good, frightening scenes of volatile lunacy, but the whole thing badly lacks a controlling distance and perspective.

| Feb 9, 2006

The silliest work of the '80s.

| Original Score: 1/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 1, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 4, 2005

A Film you'll never forget....Crispin Glover and Ione Skye are unforgettable

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 11, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 29, 2005

A disquieting tale set in the grim realities of trashy America. Some great, often insane performances make it a memorable trip.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 6, 2004

Disturbing, overlooked, excellent film.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 10, 2004