The River Wild (2023) is a Netflix thriller and a modern reimagining of Curtis Hanson’s 1994 white-water classic of the same name. Where the original was scored by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith, the 2023 version features an original score by composer Tristan Clopet, released by Back Lot Music.
Directed by Ben Ketai, the remake trades Meryl Streep’s family for a tense reunion between estranged siblings and an old friend whose true nature surfaces on the rapids. This guide lists the full score, the featured songs, and where to listen.
Quick Facts
| Title | The River Wild (a.k.a. River Wild) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Genre | Thriller |
| Director | Ben Ketai |
| Composer | Tristan Clopet |
| Music supervisor | Ian Brusek |
| Soundtrack label | Back Lot Music |
| Soundtrack release | July 28, 2023 |
| Based on | The River Wild (1994), scored by Jerry Goldsmith |
| Where to stream | Netflix |
| Lead cast | Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Taran Killam |
The Score & Composer: Tristan Clopet
The 2023 film’s original music was written by Tristan Clopet (StartUp), who also contributed several songs. Clopet scored the roughly 91-minute thriller, while music supervisor Ian Brusek (The Last of Us) selected the needle-drops.
Fans of the franchise will note the lineage: Curtis Hanson’s 1994 original was scored by Jerry Goldsmith, one of the most celebrated composers in film history. The 2023 score is a leaner, more contemporary take rather than a continuation of Goldsmith’s themes. The album was released by Back Lot Music on July 28, 2023.
Every Song & Score Track
The release pairs Clopet’s instrumental score with a handful of licensed songs heard in the film.
| Track | Artist | Type |
|---|---|---|
| My Dog Is My Co-pilot | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Through My Chest | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Tall Trees | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| The Beast | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| I Hope You Die First | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Night | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Lone Pine Bend | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Alluvial | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Sunrise | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Boundary Run | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Big Brother | Tristan Clopet | Score |
| Backwater | Meat Puppets | Featured song |
| I Stand by Your Side | Rob Cantor | Featured song |
Where to Stream
The River Wild (2023) streams on Netflix and was also released on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Tristan Clopet’s score album, River Wild (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), is available on Apple Music and Spotify.
Looking for more thriller scores? Explore our full streaming soundtrack hub.
Main Cast
- Leighton Meester as Joey
- Taran Killam as Gray
- Adam Brody as Trevor
- Eve Connolly and Olivia Swann in supporting roles
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the 2023 River Wild soundtrack?
Composer Tristan Clopet wrote the original score, released by Back Lot Music on July 28, 2023.
Who scored the original 1994 River Wild?
The 1994 Curtis Hanson film was scored by Jerry Goldsmith. The 2023 movie is a separate reimagining with a new score by Tristan Clopet.
Where can I watch The River Wild (2023)?
It streams on Netflix and is also available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD.
Is the 2023 River Wild a remake?
Yes. It is a modern reimagining of the 1994 thriller The River Wild, not a sequel.
What songs are in The River Wild?
Alongside Tristan Clopet’s score, the film features “Backwater” by Meat Puppets and “I Stand by Your Side” by Rob Cantor.
Related reading: Netflix soundtracks · All streaming soundtracks