The River King (2005)

In the frost-clad city of Hadin, the chilling discovery of student Gus Pierce's body beneath the ice of the River King sends ripples of unease through the community. The task of unraveling this mystery falls to the dedicated policeman Abel Grey. Hadin's prestigious Haddan School, where Gus was a student, is a fortress of conservatism and privilege. Eager to avoid a scandal, the school's dean hastily labels the incident as suicide. However, Abel's instincts tell a different tale. After a heartfelt conversation with Gus's girlfriend, Carlin Leander, a haunting suspicion begins to take root in Abel's mind. He becomes convinced that Gus fell victim to a sinister initiation ritual of the Order of the Elect—a clandestine society within the school's Chalk House. As Abel's investigation deepens, he grapples with personal demons. The murky waters of this case stir up memories of his own brother Frank's tragic suicide years ago. Simultaneously, he uncovers a web of corruption that stretches its tendrils into law enforcement, threatening to ensnare him. In the midst of the chaos, Abel finds an unexpected ally and source of affection in Betsy Chase, a compassionate teacher from Gus's school. Despite warnings from his superiors—mindful of the school's considerable contributions to the Police Benevolent Fund—Abel remains resolute. Guided by a sense of justice, and the eerie sensation that Gus's spirit is leading him towards the truth, he continues his pursuit. In the end, Abel must confront not only the grim reality of Gus's death but also the ghosts of his own past. His journey takes the viewer on a suspenseful exploration of love, loss, and the relentless quest for truth, set against the backdrop of a town steeped in secrets and silence. As the River King's icy currents run deep, so does the mystery surrounding Gus's untimely end.

The River King is a drama movie featuring Edward Burns and directed by Nick Willing.

The River King is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Crackle, FILMRISE, Freevee, Redbox, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV and Xumo Play.

It is also possible to buy The River King on Amazon Video.