Not a lot is happening in Calamus Grove, Oregon, a backwoods logging town where high school sweethearts Wade (Jason James Richter) and Lorna (Kate Hudson) spend their days dreaming of escape. But when they meet Jesse Howl (Douglas Spain), a sensitive Native American teenager with a rebellious streak, everything changes. The predominantly white community of Calamus Grove is quick to judge Jesse, who is a young, sexy, and proud Native American. But Link (John Cullum), Wade's grandfather, befriends Jesse's mother (Sheila Goold), and promises to take the show the young man what life is like off of the reservation. Lorna is an artistic misfit yearning for freedom who finds Jesse refreshing, exciting, and unique. But Wade, the star quarterback and hometown hero, isn't sure about the newcomer. Although he's jealous of Lorna's growing infatuation with him, he gradually begins to accept the young man as a friend. Soon enough the threesome are sharing some wild adventures that shock the gossiping locals. But Jesse goes too far when he develops a crush on an unhappily married woman, whose husband is a burly logger prone to violent outbursts. Together, Lorna, Wade, and Jesse learn about the true power of friendship in the face of intolerance in this poignant coming-of-age film. Kate Hudson shines in her feature film debut with the youthful exuberance and glowing charisma that would make her a star. RICOCHET RIVER is based on the novel by Robin Cody.
