
'River's Edge' is a crime drama that delves into the dark and complex moral dilemmas faced by a group of high-school friends after a shocking murder within their circle. Typical elements of the crime genre present in the film include the focus on a violent crime, the exploration of guilt and complicity, and the tension between law enforcement and personal loyalty. What makes 'River's Edge' stand out from other crime titles is its intimate portrayal of teenage apathy and the psychological impact of violence on youth culture in the 1980s. Rather than following a conventional whodunit or police procedural format, the film emphasizes the emotional detachment and moral ambiguity of its characters, providing a raw and unsettling look at how a community grapples with betrayal and death amid a backdrop of societal indifference.