River

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Season 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 2 out of 38
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User Reviews

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  1. foxgrove
    Nov 25, 2015
    7
    A series that improves as it goes on by tantalisingly weaving a mysterious web that draws you in despite an absurd and unsatisfactory plot device. Stellan Skarskaard is good in the title role of the troubled detective and Lesley Manville is as brilliant as always. Only Nicola Walker and Eddie Marsan annoy, but that is due to the nature of the aforementioned device which doesn't work. TheA series that improves as it goes on by tantalisingly weaving a mysterious web that draws you in despite an absurd and unsatisfactory plot device. Stellan Skarskaard is good in the title role of the troubled detective and Lesley Manville is as brilliant as always. Only Nicola Walker and Eddie Marsan annoy, but that is due to the nature of the aforementioned device which doesn't work. The last episode which wraps it all up does win you over and solidifies the feeling that the series has been worth the highs and lows.… Expand
  2. NorthVanDMo
    Jan 19, 2016
    10
    Better described as a top notch, engrossing, 6 hour movie than a tv show. I had a bit of difficulty with the first episode (why would an officer pursuing a fleeing suspect be accused, by the media and by fellow officers, of "chasing that suspect to death"?). I am very happy that we returned to watch the second episode. Stellan Skarskaard's performance is unparalleled. He can say more thanBetter described as a top notch, engrossing, 6 hour movie than a tv show. I had a bit of difficulty with the first episode (why would an officer pursuing a fleeing suspect be accused, by the media and by fellow officers, of "chasing that suspect to death"?). I am very happy that we returned to watch the second episode. Stellan Skarskaard's performance is unparalleled. He can say more than any other actor I can think of without uttering a word. The supporting actors are also first rate, especially Leslie Manville as River's supervisor, friend and supporter. To top off a compelling story, the music and photography are cinematic. A great show!… Expand
  3. brianme
    Feb 22, 2016
    10
    Magnificent, just magnificent! Easily one of the best dramas I've ever seen on television and very likely the best. First, the script is brilliantly written with intelligence, beauty, and a true literary sense. The actors, beginning with Stellan and all the others play their roles with commitment and great skill. Direction is obviously strong and the visuals are complimentary.Magnificent, just magnificent! Easily one of the best dramas I've ever seen on television and very likely the best. First, the script is brilliantly written with intelligence, beauty, and a true literary sense. The actors, beginning with Stellan and all the others play their roles with commitment and great skill. Direction is obviously strong and the visuals are complimentary.

    Normally I grouse about something, but will not this time as I find River to have been an unparalleled effort in my history of watching since the dawn of television. Enjoy!    … Expand
  4. Broyax
    Jan 11, 2017
    4
    Stellan Skarsgård joue habituellement les seconds ou troisièmes couteaux dans nombre de productions hollywoodiennes mais il brille ici au tout premier plan dans cette série anglaise et le rôle de cet inspecteur qui se tient au bord du précipice de la folie. Il fait partie sans doute de ceux que l'on nomme les "borderline", un psychotique non finalisé qui entend des voix et qui voit lesStellan Skarsgård joue habituellement les seconds ou troisièmes couteaux dans nombre de productions hollywoodiennes mais il brille ici au tout premier plan dans cette série anglaise et le rôle de cet inspecteur qui se tient au bord du précipice de la folie. Il fait partie sans doute de ceux que l'on nomme les "borderline", un psychotique non finalisé qui entend des voix et qui voit les morts et entretient de longues conversations avec ces chers disparus...

    La mise en scène exploite à fond son délire, alternant l'humour du vieux timbré avec ses moments de détresse et d'abattement, car ce sont également ses vieux démons qui lui parlent et le persécutent de temps à autre : il n'est pas rare de le voir balancer des chaises dans le vide comme un détraqué tout en criant devant tout le monde, perdu dans son monde intérieur.

    Le noeud du problème est bien entendu sa collègue assassinée sur laquelle il mène l'enquête tentant de démêler l'écheveau d'une intrigue ô combien tarabiscotée, tirée par les cheveux et finalement aussi délirante que peut l'être son propre délire. Malgré seulement ses 6 épisodes, la série réussit le tour de force de se traîner comme une pauvre limace neurasthénique, ne dévoilant que pas à pas les tenants et aboutissants aberrants emballés à la hâte dans une guimauve aussi exagérée que maladroite.

    Malgré ce sujet au potentiel éminemment intéressant, malgré la sacrée performance de l'acteur suédois, River est une occasion gâchée et une opportunité manquée, poussive et quasi caricaturale dans son développement. Dommage.    … Expand
  5. robin19759
    Dec 13, 2015
    9
    A series that gets stronger and stronger. An important attempt to give perspective on living with and self-managing mental illness in the context of a demanding job. Abi Morgan presents a nuanced characterisation of the lead, and there is a wonderful performance by Stellan Skarsgård. Take time to let this settle – don't watch it in a hurry and you may well find it one of the most rewardingA series that gets stronger and stronger. An important attempt to give perspective on living with and self-managing mental illness in the context of a demanding job. Abi Morgan presents a nuanced characterisation of the lead, and there is a wonderful performance by Stellan Skarsgård. Take time to let this settle – don't watch it in a hurry and you may well find it one of the most rewarding TV series you have seen in a while… Expand
  6. Cappy329
    Jan 10, 2016
    10
    My wife at first did not want to continue with this series as she feared it was too slow. But God am I happy I convinced her to stay with me as I was captivated. Soon, she fell into the web of hypnotic beauty that is River.
    I cannot remember since the beginning of all Television where I fell so deeply in love with a tv show.
    The music choices were Perfect! The short performances of    My wife at first did not want to continue with this series as she feared it was too slow. But God am I happy I convinced her to stay with me as I was captivated. Soon, she fell into the web of hypnotic beauty that is River.
    I cannot remember since the beginning of all Television where I fell so deeply in love with a tv show.
    The music choices were Perfect! The short performances of Eddie Marsan were brilliant. Stellan and Nicola were Perfect together. We have to have more....Please!    … Expand
  7. keithglyn
    Jan 12, 2016
    9
    Just another staggering piece of TV Drama, this truly is the Golden Age! The writing and acting are just off the charts brilliant, wonderful stuff. It is slow, but only by US TV Network standards. If your used to the more adult pacing of Euro TV you won't have any issues here. It's also a show with many themes, one of which is people who are "different" having to conform to what societyJust another staggering piece of TV Drama, this truly is the Golden Age! The writing and acting are just off the charts brilliant, wonderful stuff. It is slow, but only by US TV Network standards. If your used to the more adult pacing of Euro TV you won't have any issues here. It's also a show with many themes, one of which is people who are "different" having to conform to what society deems "normal". Stellan Skarskaard does an amazing job of conveying this, just incredible acting. Again, amazing writing, top class acting, what more could any viewer want?… Expand
  8. WorldofLucky
    Feb 8, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have watched a lot of police procedurals, and among them several British ones. This is by far the most unique series I have seen, following Inspector River as he looks for his partner's killer. The twist on this, his partner still talks to him, along with many other victims and/or influences on his life.

    The second twist, this isn't a supernatural show at all. River just has mental issues and his abilities at being a detective manifest that way. It also shows how that mental illness takes a toll, resulting in a downward spiral.

    The acting is great with Stellan Skarsgard as the center of the show (yes he is the father of all the young acting Skarsgard including Alexander). His acting is magnificent, and is in direct relation to the decades of acting he has put in. The rest of the cast are spectacular as well with the stars being selected for their acting ability and not because they fit into some weird young Hollywood attractiveness. This is one of the reasons I love British tv, they do have attractive young actors, but their shows starts seem much more relatable, real.

    There wasn't really any negatives I had with it, except of course the short season always throws me off (being American and used to 13-22 episodes a season, 6 episodes is always quick). I truly think though that is where British TV has American TV beat. It is about telling a story, if that only takes four episodes, that is ok. They don't have to stretch it out to 22 episodes, thus making the show lose both pacing and heart.

    Pros: In the top three for cop shows I have seen, and just a generally great series.

    Cons: The fact there is no confirmed season 2, although honestly it might be good to leave it finished as an excellent show.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by:  John Doyle
    Jan 8, 2017
    100
    It is simply astonishing to find the police procedural as cleverly reinvented as it is in River, and with such wry, poignant force. It is brilliantly done, a little masterpiece of entertainment raised to the level of grave, heartbreaking storytelling.
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  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Jan 4, 2016
    80
    The show’s premise could easily have made this a silly enterprise, but with Mr. Skarsgard’s tight performance anchoring things, it instead is a first-rate psychological study.
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  3. We Got This Covered
    Nov 23, 2015
    80
    If you’re looking for a crime drama with elegantly plotted twists and turns, excitedly charging towards resolution, River probably will not fill that void. However, for those interested in jumping inside the mind of a tormented man? Go right on in... River is waiting to speak to you.
    Read full review