Watch Take Me to the River

Take Me to the River is a 2014 indie drama that explores the complex dynamics of a family reunion in rural Arkansas. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, is directed by Matt Sobel and produced by Richard Mansfield and John Hodges. The story follows a Californian teenager named Ryder (Logan Miller) who travels to his extended family's home in Arkansas for a family reunion celebrating his mother's (Robin Weigert) marriage to her girlfriend (Rae Gray). Once he arrives, Ryder is introduced to his conservative relatives, including his uncle (Terrence Howard) and his grandfather (Larry Taylor), who both harbor deep-seated prejudices.

As the reunion progresses, tensions rise between Ryder and his family members, fueled by rumors and misunderstandings. Meanwhile, Ryder becomes close with his cousin Molly (Ursula Parker), who is dealing with her own family issues. Together, they navigate the complicated family dynamic and try to uncover the truth behind a long-buried family secret.

One of the film's strengths is its use of music to set the tone and reflect the emotions of the characters. Throughout the film, classic soul and R&B tracks are woven into the narrative, with live performances from legends like Al Bell, Syl Johnson, and Bobby Rush. The music serves as a metaphor for the family's history and connects the generations in a powerful way.

The performances in the film are also noteworthy, with Howard delivering a standout performance as the conflicted Uncle Mookie. His character's internal struggle between his beliefs and his love for his family is palpable, and Howard conveys this with nuance and subtlety. Parker also shines as Molly, bringing a sense of vulnerability and authenticity to her role.

The cinematography in Take Me to the River is another standout aspect of the film. The lush, green landscapes of rural Arkansas are captured with a natural beauty that contrasts with the deep-seated tension within the family. The film's use of color also adds to the visual storytelling, with the bright colors of the family's clothing and decor contrasting with the more muted tones of the natural world around them.

Overall, Take Me to the River is a thoughtful and poignant exploration of family, identity, and acceptance. The film is a testament to the power of music and the importance of storytelling in connecting generations and understanding our shared history. Sobel's direction, combined with the powerful performances from the cast, make this film a must-see for anyone interested in drama and indie film.

Take Me to the River is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 56.