The River (2013)
A short, sun-drenched comedy about one very pregnant woman's determined quest to reach the river on the hottest day of the year.
The River - Movie Information
The River - Plot
On a sweltering hot day, a very pregnant Maria, desperate for a cooling swim, encounters obstacles on her path to the river.
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The River - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sam Handel
Main Cast
- Lauren Ambrose
- Adam Driver
- Michael C. Hall
- Matt Hopkins
- Jay O. Sanders
- Ron McLarty
- Anthony M. Corbett
- Asa Palmer
- Kate Skinner
- Jake Smerechniak
Writers
- Sam Handel
Producers
- Lauren Ambrose
- Sam Handel
- Brandon Taylor
- Julie Webster
The River - FAQs
What is The River (2013) about?
The River follows Maria, a very pregnant woman, on a sweltering summer day as she desperately tries to reach the river for a cooling swim. What should be a simple trip turns into a comedic series of obstacles and encounters, making for a warm, funny, and surprisingly relatable short film.
Is The River a short film or feature?
The River is a short film, clocking in at just 12 minutes. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in plenty of character, humor, and heart, making it a satisfying watch from start to finish.
Who are the main actors in The River?
The film features a surprisingly star-studded cast for a short. Lauren Ambrose leads as Maria, with Adam Driver playing Joe and Michael C. Hall appearing as The Guru. The supporting ensemble includes Jay O. Sanders, Ron McLarty, Matt Hopkins, and several others rounding out the colorful characters Maria meets along the way.
Where can you watch The River (2013)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for The River on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Short films can be tricky to track down, so JustWatch is a handy starting point to see where it's currently accessible.
Who directed and wrote The River?
Sam Handel both wrote and directed The River, and also served as editor. The film was produced by Lauren Ambrose, Sam Handel, Brandon Taylor, and Julie Webster — making it a genuinely collaborative, passion-driven project with its lead actress also stepping into a producing role.
Why does The River have such a notable cast?
It's a great question! Lauren Ambrose, best known from Six Feet Under, served as both lead and producer, which likely helped bring in talented friends and collaborators like Adam Driver and Michael C. Hall. Short films with producer-actors often attract impressive casts through personal connections in the industry.
What genre is The River (2013)?
The River blends Adventure and Comedy into a light, breezy short film. It has the feel of a warm summer day — playful and a little chaotic — as its very pregnant protagonist navigates one unexpected hurdle after another on her quest for a simple, refreshing swim.
What are some films similar to The River?
If you enjoyed The River's short-film charm, you might also like Alone Time (2013) or Bear (2011), both compact character-driven pieces with a similar indie sensibility. For something with comparable comedic energy in a longer format, Double Threat (2023) and Sheroes (2023) are worth checking out.
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