Turn the River: A Smokey Bar, Pool Sharks, and Human Struggles

Okay, let’s talk about Turn the River—this flick from 2007 with Famke Janssen, who everyone knows sparkles like a diamond in any role. And Chris Eigeman directs with a minimalist style that has a knack for making you feel like you’re part of the gritty underworld they’re portraying. This one’s got the kinda grit that sticks to your teeth.

The movie is like a hot summer night in a smokey pub, full of tension, nostalgia and broken dreams. It’s centered around Janssen’s character, Kailey, a pool hustler trying to connect with her son. Famke’s got this resilient intensity that’s both fierce and tender. Like, you feel for her, but you’re also a bit scared she might take you to the cleaners at billiards.

So, this film got me thinking about this time back in the 90s when I tried my hand at billiards. I was in Sundsvall visiting an old mate. Completely useless. Let’s just say the only thing I pocketed was the chalk. But the people I met at the table, all sorts, full of stories and life, like they’d stepped out of a movie. There’s something about pool—it’s a universal thing.

One of Turn the River’s upsides is its gut-punch authenticity. It ain’t high-gloss Hollywood. It’s more like Arjeplog in winter. Cold, raw, beautiful in its own rugged way. The relationship between Kailey and her son is complicated and messy, and honestly, who doesn’t relate to family drama?

Music plays a subtle role here too, setting the scene without making a fuss. But then there are moments where the pace is a little off. You know when you’re waiting for the bus at Slussen and it just doesn’t come? Kind of like that.

Anyway, if you’ve ever fancied yourself a shark or appreciate the art of not knowing whether the hero might just lose it all, give it a whirl. This one grabs you by the heartstrings and shakes ’em up a bit.

Check the trailer below