River Runs Red (2018) is a crime thriller directed by Wes Miller, blending themes of justice, systemic corruption, and personal revenge. Featuring a strong cast led by Taye Diggs, George Lopez, John Cusack, and Luke Hemsworth, the film delves into the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by individuals seeking justice in an unjust system.
The film centers on Charles Coleman (Taye Diggs), a respected judge and a devoted father whose life is turned upside down when his son is killed during a traffic stop by two police officers, Rory (Luke Hemsworth) and Von (Gianni Capaldi). Despite overwhelming evidence suggesting police misconduct, the officers are cleared of any wrongdoing, leaving Charles devastated and disillusioned.
As Charles grapples with his grief, he discovers that the officers have a history of dubious behavior and questionable killings. Consumed by anger and frustration, Charles teams up with Javier (George Lopez), a bereaved father whose son was also a victim of the same officers. Together, they set out on a mission to uncover the truth and seek justice for their children.
Meanwhile, Horace (John Cusack), a retired detective, starts to piece together the connections between the murders and the victimsโ families. As the narrative unfolds, tensions rise, leading to a climactic confrontation where Charles and Javier must decide how far theyโre willing to go for justice.
River Runs Red received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While praised for its ambitious themes and strong performances, some critics noted that the filmโs execution occasionally felt heavy-handed or predictable.