‘The River’ is a coming-of-age fantasy drama in the tradition of ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’, ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ and ‘Spirited Away’. At its core, the film follows the internal conflict of the young protagonist, Andrew, wrestling with the death of his older brother. Andrew is at a crucial watershed of his growing maturity and understanding of death: -On the one side: fantastical escapism, denial and innocence -On the other: reality, death’s permanency, and maturity Both sides are at once clashing within Andrew with explosive and irreversible consequences. Throughout the film Andrew’s internal conflict is projected onto those around him. This deeply subjective film follows Andrew’s journey through his eyes: we see glimpses of his broken family and his loneliness. The death of his brother prematurely shatters Andrew’s naivety and innocence and wrenches him into an adult world of reality and hardship. Ultimately, this is a truly uplifting film. It is a story of acceptance, the strength to face loss, and the reuniting of a grieving family. It is, in turn, reminiscent of the journey we all take into maturity; a journey that encompasses death and loss yet can still contain much joy and happiness.