Common Sense Media Review
By Corrina Antrobus
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'90s action-drama sees a family rafting trip turn violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The River Wild
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE RIVER WILD finds Tom (David Strathairn) and Gail Hartman (Meryl Streep) on the verge of divorce due to the demanding workload of Tom, who is a busy architect. Succumbing to the disappointment and frustration of his wife and son, Roarke (Joesph Mazzello), Tom agrees to join them on Roarke's annual birthday trip down the Salmon River in Idaho. It's there that they meet a trio of men who soon become two when one of them mysteriously disappears. Initially charming, the two remaining men -- Wade (Kevin Bacon) and Terry (John C. Reilly) -- are revealed to be dangerous and on the run. Can the Hartmans make it safely to the other side of the river, saving their marriage in the process?
Is It Any Good?
This sensitive family tale alongside high-energy action makes for a thrilling watch. With breathtaking scenes of U.S. landscape and impressive camerawork to capture the spirit of the wild and rampant river, The River Wild immerses you in its beauty and chaos. This would have been a real treat to anyone who caught it on the big screen when it was first released in 1994.
The film makes some feeble attempts to discuss some bigger topics. For example, Streep's character, Gail, talks about Native American rock art, "before the white man took over," and there is mention to the declining environment in reference to the pollution in the river. But what's quickly mentioned is soon shrugged off as not to distract from the Hollywood action. That all said, The River Wild is a solid '90s action-packed adventure that still warrants a watch all these years later.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The River Wild. What impact did it have? What consequences were there? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss how the characters used different forms of communication, courage, and teamwork to save the day. Why are these such important character strengths to have?
Would you describe Gail as a role model? What makes a good role model?
What did the film have to say about marriage, love, and relationships?
The film was released in 1994. How do you think the movie might be different if it was made today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 30, 1994
- On DVD or streaming : December 26, 2006
- Cast : Meryl Streep , Kevin Bacon , David Strathairn
- Director : Curtis Hanson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence and threatening moments
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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