Watch Downriver
- TV-MA
- 2015
- 1 hr 39 min
-
6.2 (683)
Downriver is an Australian film released in 2015, directed by Grant Scicluna. The movie stars Reef Ireland, Kerry Fox, and Robert Taylor in principal roles. This thought-provoking and emotionally charged movie tells the tale of a young man named James, who after having been sentenced and serving time in jail for an act of violence, returns home to his small town, only to find that he has a difficult time coming to terms with the repercussions of his actions.
The film opens with James (played by Reef Ireland) being released from a juvenile detention center to his foster mother Carol (played by Kerry Fox). His crime is never explicitly discussed in the movie, but one thing is clear: James has committed a serious offense that has deeply affected him. He starts living at Carolâs house in a small town, where he meets a group of young women who spend most of their time together performing in a cabaret-type show at the local theater.
The plot of the movie revolves around Jamesâs attempt to come to terms with his crime, understand why he did what he did, and make amends to everyone he hurt. He soon realizes that the town heâs come back to is filled with secrets, and that he will have to navigate many more challenges if he wants to put his past behind him.
Throughout the film, the audience is presented with a number of surprises, as we learn about the past of the various characters, and their secrets come to light. The biggest surprise of all is saved for the end, and it caps off the film beautifully.
One aspect of the movie that sets it apart is its subtle approach towards dealing with questions of morality and redemption. James is aware that he did something wrong, but heâs not entirely sure why it happened or what he can do to make amends. Heâs also aware that most of the people in the town have something to hide, and that heâs not the only one wrestling with his past.
The cinematography in the movie is breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty of the Australian wilderness while also capturing the moody, contemplative mood of the story. The sparse, elegant score is atmospheric and emotionally resonant, helping to underscore some of the movieâs most dramatic moments.
The performances in Downriver are exemplary. Reef Ireland does a fantastic job of capturing Jamesâs inner turmoil, and conveying the quiet anguish and regret that he feels. Kerry Fox is also very good as Carol, Jamesâs foster mother, playing her character with a mixture of kindness and strictness that feels entirely plausible. In addition, Robert Taylor is excellent in a small but crucial supporting role as the town sheriff, providing a steady, grounded presence in the midst of all the chaos and drama.
Overall, Downriver is a haunting, thoughtful movie that lingers in the mind long after itâs over. Itâs a film that deals with some challenging themes and asks tough questions about the nature of forgiveness and redemption. But itâs also a movie that provides no easy answers, choosing instead to leave the audience to ponder the possibilities long after the credits have rolled.
Downriver is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.