Added to Prime Video on Sunday, Dec 10, 2023 River Queen is a New Zealand film directed by Vincent Ward, released in 2005. It’s a dramatic story set in the 1860s, during the British colonization of New Zealand, and focuses on the life of a young Irish woman, Sarah O’Brien. Her world is turned upside down when her son is kidnapped by a Maori tribe. As Sarah becomes deeply involved in the Maori community, she gets caught up in the ongoing war between the British and the Maori. The film explores themes of cultural clash, maternal love, and the quest for identity amidst turbulent times.
Length: 1h 54m
Genre: Drama, Adventure, War
This Title is: Intense, Emotional, Culturally Rich
“River Queen” IS STREAMING TODAY ON Prime Video IN CANADA!
Trailer
Cast
- Samantha Morton as Sarah O’Brien
- Kiefer Sutherland as Doyle
- Cliff Curtis as Wiremu
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R for violence and some sexual content
Content warnings include scenes of violence and warfare, and some sexual content.
Trivia
- The film’s production was delayed several times due to flooding and other issues on location.
- River Queen features a mix of both professional actors and members of local Maori communities.
- Director Vincent Ward spent nearly a decade researching and preparing for this film.
Our Review
River Queen stands out for its stunning cinematography and deep immersion into the historical period it portrays. Samantha Morton delivers a powerful performance, embodying the complex emotions of a mother in a divided world. The film’s portrayal of the Maori culture and the landscape of New Zealand is both respectful and visually captivating. However, the narrative sometimes struggles with pacing, and certain plot developments might feel unresolved. Despite these shortcomings, River Queen is a thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on a lesser-known chapter in history.
Critic Scores
Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)
