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“Mystic River” is a gripping crime drama that delves into the complex consequences of a traumatic childhood event on the lives of three friends, whose paths diverge only to intertwine again in the face of a devastating murder.
Read on to find out where to watch “Mystic River” in Canada and meet three childhood friends haunted by a dark secret from their past.
Table of Contents
What Is Mystic River About?
“Mystic River” is a gripping tale set in Boston’s tight-knit East Buckingham neighborhood. Three childhood friends—Jimmy, Sean, and Dave—endure a life-altering event after encountering a mysterious stranger in 1975. Fast forward to the present, and they lead very different lives. Jimmy runs a store, Sean is a detective haunted by unsolved cases, and Dave struggles with emotional scars. When Jimmy’s daughter is brutally murdered, their lives are thrown into turmoil. Jimmy seeks revenge, Sean investigates, and Dave becomes a person of interest. The film delves into their shared past’s emotional turmoil, unearthing secrets and testing bonds of friendship and family.
“Mystic River” hit theaters in October 2003.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Mystic River?
Clint Eastwood created and directed the film “Mystic River.” He is a renowned filmmaker known for his work on other acclaimed movies such as “Unforgiven,” “Million Dollar Baby,” and “Gran Torino.” Here’s the cast of “Mystic River”:
- Sean Penn as Jimmy Markum
- Tim Robbins as Dave Boyle
- Kevin Bacon as Sean Devine
- Laurence Fishburne as Detective Whitey Powers
- Marcia Gay Harden as Celeste Boyle
- Laura Linney as Annabeth Markum
- Emmy Rossum as Katie Markum
- Spencer Treat Clark as Silent Ray Harris
- Andrew Mackin as John O’Shea
- Adam Nelson as Nick Savage
- Tom Guiry as Brendan Harris
- Kevin Chapman as Val Savage
- Shawn Fitzgibbon as Funeral Director
- Jenny O’Hara as Esther Harris
- Eli Wallach as Mr. Loonie
- Cameron Bowen as Young Jimmy Markum
- Connor Paolo as Young Sean Devine
- Tori Davis as Young Annabeth Markum
What is the Rating for Mystic River?
“Mystic River” is rated R in Canada for inappropriate language and extreme violence.
How Many People Watch Mystic River?
“Mystic River” was well-received by both critics and audiences and performed well at the box office.
How Are the Reviews for Mystic River?
Critics praised “Mystic River” for its powerful and emotionally charged performances, particularly from Sean Penn and Tim Robbins. They applauded Clint Eastwood’s skillful direction, creating a gripping, suspenseful crime drama. The film’s exploration of complex themes, intense storytelling, and masterful execution garnered widespread critical acclaim, cementing its place as a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The movie received an approval rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.9/10 on IMDb, and 84/100 on Metacritic. See what critics are saying about “Mystic River”:
- “With spellbinding performances by Sean Penn and Tim Robbins, Clint Eastwood’s ‘Mystic River’ is a haunting and emotionally resonant crime drama that grips viewers from start to finish. The film’s intricate storytelling and raw exploration of human emotions make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.” – Peter Travers, Rolling Stone.
- “Clint Eastwood delivers a tour de force in ‘Mystic River,’ skillfully weaving a gripping tale of tragedy, guilt, and redemption. The outstanding ensemble cast brings depth and authenticity to their roles, making this crime drama a masterclass in storytelling and a poignant examination of the human psyche.” – Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly.
Where to Watch Mystic River in Canada?Â
“Mystic River” is available on streaming services in Canada.
Is Mystic River Available on Streaming?
Netflix
“Mystic River” is available on Netflix. To watch the movie on the platform, sign up for an account and avail of any of the following subscription plans of your choice:
| Plan | Price | Number of Simultaneous Screens | Streaming Quality |
| Basic with ads | CAD$5.99 | 1 device | SD |
| Basic | CAD$9.99 | 1 device | HD |
| Standard | CAD$16.49 | 2 devices | HD |
| Premium | CAD$20.99 | 4 devices | Ultra HD |
With a Netflix subscription, you can stream series and movies on various devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, PCs, laptops, tablets, game consoles, and web players like Chromecast and Roku. You can also download Netflix’s content to your device for when you want to stream offline.
“tick, tick… BOOM!” “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” and “Flint Town” are some of the Netflix originals with unique storylines you can stream on the platform.
Is Mystic River Available for Rent (VOD)?
You can buy or rent “Mystic River” and witness tragedy, guilt, and redemption unravel on your screen. Just a heads up, rented films are available for a limited time only.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| iTunes | CAD$4.99 | CAD$9.99 |
| Microsoft Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$9.99 |
| YouTube | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Google Play Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Amazon Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
Is Mystic River Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Mystic River” is not airing on any cable channels or free-to-air televisions in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Mystic River?
There is no need to use a VPN since “Mystic River” is readily available to stream on Netflix in Canada.
The Haunting of Unresolved Trauma
Viewers can learn about the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma from the film “Mystic River” by observing how the traumatic events experienced by the characters as children continue to affect their lives and relationships well into adulthood. The film portrays the emotional scars and unresolved trauma resulting from childhood experiences, offering a poignant exploration of the enduring effects of such deeply impactful events on one’s psyche and behavior.
You can watch “Mystic River” on Netflix and VOD available in Canada.
