Unravelling the Plot: A Review of 'The Girl in the River'

A new crime thriller 'The Girl in the River', written and directed by Brando Benetton, incorporates a blend of conventional elements in its storyline. The film focuses on a murder and kidnapping enquiry, led by an older, experienced cop and his rookie partner, evoking memories of other familiar movies in the genre.

Alan Kramer, played by Devon Sawa, is a complex policeman, battling personal tragedy and habitually sipping from a flask. His novice associate, Amelia Pembrock, portrayed by Maggie Grace, struggles with actually stepping onto the battlefield despite her outstanding academic achievements as a cadet.

This unlikely duo is roped in by a firm, yet composed police captain, brought to life by Tiffany Haddish, to investigate the murder of a young girl whose corpse was discovered in the Mississippi River. Their main clue? The murder victim's damaged teeth and the remnants of raw chicken found under her fingernails, leading them to a local butcher.

Although the movie unfolds predictably, it manages to hold the viewer’s attention and delivers a reasonable, atmospheric experience, despite having a rote storyline. The climax of the film is the unmasking of the real killer, followed by a somewhat underwhelming shootout scene.

Making his entry into feature-film direction, Benetton's approach strikes a chord in creating the right ambiance, albeit the storyline is peppered with cliché plot lines. The gradual plot development and dialogue could hint the influence of an AI-written script. The movie benefits from the earnest performances of its two leads, with Sawa's character embodying a poignant intensity and Grace bringing charm to her role similar to Clarice Starling. Nonetheless, the overall film experience seems reminiscent of an unsuccessful television series from yesteryears.