Stand By Me

Rent this film now on Film4oD
Or rent other films that stand the test of time from Film4oD

Stand By Me is fondly regarded as the coming-of-age adaptation of Stephen King's semi-autobiographical story, 'The Body'.

The film opens as author Dreyfuss learns about the death of an old school friend. The news reminds him of a childhood adventure that turned out to be the pivotal moment in his life when, encouraged by the friend, he made the decision to become a writer.

Chris (Phoenix), Teddy (Feldman), Vern (O'Connell), and the budding novelist, Gordie (played as a kid by Wheaton) set off on a weekend trek to find a dead body that's been spotted by Vern's brother.

Reiner's film drips with nostalgia but is wholly evocative of childhood conversations and trembling fears, peer pressure, boyish affection and the ludicrous lengths to which children will go to prove themselves.

Credit must go to Reiner and King, but it's the kids themselves who lend the film so much charm. Phoenix's performance as an introspective, abused child is a poignant reminder of a lost talent.