Is Up the River Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Up the River is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 77 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Up the River Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, Up the River emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Away from the city for the weekend, Rebecca must choose between her fiance, Thomas, and his best friend, Willy. Unlike standard genre fare, Up the River attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Up the River features a noteworthy lineup led by Lindsay Burdge . Supported by the likes of Will Brill and Adam David Thompson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Up the River (2015) is negative. With an audience rating of 3.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Up the River Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Up the River is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Up the River Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Up the River attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Up the River reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Up the River?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Up the River
- Lindsay Burdge – Rebecca
- Will Brill – Thomas
- Adam David Thompson – Willy
- Nathalie Love – Laura
- Lucy Sante – Walker
Top Highlights
Lindsay BurdgeRebecca
Will BrillThomas
Adam David ThompsonWilly
Nathalie LoveLaura
Lucy SanteWalker
Jamie KrasnoffWaitress
Kimberly ReneauJuror / bar patron
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Up the River has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Romance), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.3/10, and global collection metrics, Up the River stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2015 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Up the River movie hit or flop?
Up the River is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.3/10 and lower collections.
Is Up the River worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.3/10, Up the River may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Up the River online?
Up the River may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Up the River Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Up the River
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
