Watch The River's Bed

The movie The River's Bed, directed by Benoît Guillaume, takes viewers on a poignant journey through the deeply personal lives of two siblings, Solenne and Raphaël, as they navigate their complicated relationship, marked by love, jealousy, and betrayal. Régine Bernard plays the role of Solenne, a free-spirited woman with a passion for nature and water, while Stéphane Wenger portrays Raphaël, her emotionally distant and reserved brother, who is still dealing with the loss of their mother. Gabriela Bussmann plays the role of Luisa, a pregnant woman who becomes an unexpected ally to Solenne in her search for answers.

The story begins with Solenne's return to her childhood home, a rural farmstead situated near a river. The house and surrounding land are now abandoned, and Solenne is haunted by memories of her past. As she explores the overgrown landscape, she discovers that the river that once flowed freely through the property is now dammed, and the water has been redirected to a nearby town, where it powers a large factory. Solenne is immediately drawn to the river and embarks on a mission to restore it to its natural state, despite overwhelming opposition from the factory's owner.

As Solenne's passion for the river intensifies, the tension between her and Raphaël reaches a breaking point. Raphaël resents Solenne's carefree attitude and her ability to move on from their past. He is plagued by guilt over his role in their mother's death and cannot bear to confront the unresolved issues that exist between them. Solenne, on the other hand, is frustrated by Raphaël's lack of communication and his inability to connect with her emotionally.

As Solenne and Raphaël's relationship deteriorates, Luisa enters the picture. She is a refugee from a war-torn country, who has found refuge in the nearby town. When Solenne first encounters Luisa, she is heavily pregnant and visibly distressed. Solenne offers to help Luisa, and in doing so, she finds a kindred spirit. Luisa becomes a confidante to Solenne, offering her support and friendship when she needs it most.

As the movie progresses, the characters' individual struggles converge, culminating in a powerful final scene that ties everything together. The River's Bed is a beautifully shot and emotionally charged movie that explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and our relationship with nature. The river serves as a metaphor for the characters' emotional journeys, and the way in which it is eventually restored to its former glory serves as a symbol of hope and healing.

Overall, The River's Bed is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dramas that explore complex human relationships. With its stunning cinematography and strong performances from the lead actors, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The River's Bed is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.