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Mystery horror film

Sweet River (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Sweet River (2020) movie poster

Sweet River is a 2020 mystery horror film directed by Justin McMillan, starring Chris Haywood as Nigel, Geneviève Lemon and Sam Parsonson. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $3,365 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 57/100.

worldwide gross
$3.4K
Echo Score
57
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Sweet River (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Director
Justin McMillan
Genres
Mystery , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sweet River About?

The premise of Sweet River without spoilers.

Driven by a mother's unwavering love, Hannah embarks on a desperate search for her missing son's body. Her journey leads her to the quiet town of Billins, where she uncovers unsettling secrets and disturbing truths. As she investigates, Hannah discovers a darkness hidden beneath the town's peaceful facade, a darkness that some will protect at any cost, even if it means silencing her.

Sweet River Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • love
  • small town
  • town with a dark secret
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Cast & crew

Sweet River Cast & Characters

Chris Haywood leads the cast as Nigel, with Geneviève Lemon as Elenor Drake and Sam Parsonson as Troy. Directed by Justin McMillan; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sweet River

· 9 more
From the director

More from Justin McMillan

One more film directed by Justin McMillan: Storm Surfers 3D.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sweet River Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 57/100, strongest in character & emotion (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

57 /100

Sweet River Echo Score Breakdown

Sweet River delivers a measured, melancholic ghost story that emphasizes grief over conventional scares. While the cinematography and performances receive regular commendation, the narrative is hampered by uneven pacing and a script that often feels meandering. Viewers seeking a tightly plotted horror experience may find the film underwhelming, though its atmospheric qualities may appeal to those who appreciate slow‑burn dramas. The mixed reception results in an overall moderate score.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    Regarding direction and visual craft, the film showcases a somber palette that highlights the rural setting, and several reviewers commend its measured pacing and effective framing. However, criticisms of editing inconsistencies and occasional disjointed scene transitions suggest the technical execution is uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    In terms of performances, the ensemble is generally praised for delivering nuanced, emotionally resonant portrayals, particularly the lead’s depiction of maternal grief. Despite this, some reviewers note the child actors appear unconvincing, which slightly detracts from the overall character credibility.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The narrative aims for a slow‑burn mystery centered on loss, but many find the screenplay uneven, with pacing that drags and a climax that feels anticlimactic. While the premise is compelling, the execution often leaves viewers uncertain about plot progression.

  • Sensory Experience 62

    The film’s sound design and score subtly underscore the eerie riverine atmosphere, and the cinematography captures the stark, foreboding landscape effectively. Nevertheless, some critics mention tonal mismatches between early promotional material and the restrained visual style, slightly weakening immersive consistency.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Given its deliberate pacing and emphasis on mood over scares, the movie may appeal to audiences who enjoy contemplative horror, yet its slow tempo and lack of conventional thrills reduce the incentive for repeat viewings. Consequently, its rewatch value is modest.

Box office

Sweet River Box Office

Sweet River grossed $3,365 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.4K

International
$3.4K
Videos

Sweet River Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sweet River.

SWEET RIVER Official Trailer (2021) Australian Horror Movie
Cars

Cars in Sweet River

1 car on screen: the 1985 Volvo 240.

  • 1985 Volvo 240 in Sweet River 1985 Volvo 240 Main role
Details

Sweet River Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Сладкая река” and “스위트 리버”.

Also known as
  • Сладкая река
  • 스위트 리버
  • 甜蜜河
  • 屍蹤兒童
  • Derin Nehir

Seen Sweet River?

FAQ

Sweet River FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Sweet River, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sweet River?

Sweet River runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Sweet River released?

Sweet River was released on December 5, 2020.

Who directed Sweet River?

Sweet River was directed by Justin McMillan.

More films by Justin McMillan

Who is in the cast of Sweet River?

Sweet River stars Chris Haywood as Nigel, Geneviève Lemon as Elenor Drake and Sam Parsonson as Troy, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Sweet River make at the box office?

Sweet River grossed $3,365 worldwide.

Does Sweet River have a post-credit scene?

No. Sweet River has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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