Surviving (1985) | Region-Free (DVD) | Starring Molly Ringwald and River Phoenix

**DISC ONLY**

TV Source.

Title: Surviving (1985)

Genre: Drama

Plot Synopsis:
Rick Brogan is a talented 17-year-old whose future seems bright, with expectations to follow in his father’s footsteps as a doctor. Lonnie, a troubled 16-year-old girl, has just returned from a sanatorium after an attempted suicide. The two fall deeply in love, but their families disapprove of their relationship. As tensions rise and emotions spiral, their tragic love story unfolds, leaving both families to deal with the devastating aftermath.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Waris Hussein
• Writer: Joyce Eliason
• Cast:
  • Zach Galligan as Rick Brogan
  • Molly Ringwald as Lonnie
  • Ellen Burstyn as Tina Brogan
  • Len Cariou as David Brogan
  • Marsha Mason as Lois Carson

IMDb Link:
Surviving (1985)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Jack Often – ★★★★
   “This nearly 2.5-hour TV drama about suicide and its aftermath repeatedly surprised me with its quality. Joyce Eliason’s writing is strong and sometimes painfully real. Waris Hussein’s direction is solid and packed with interesting details. The four adults—Ellen Burstyn, Len Cariou, Paul Sorvino, and Marsha Mason—lend the story a huge amount of gravity.”

2. Jason R – ★★★
   “This is sad. It’s already about teenage suicide, and then you throw in little Heather O’Rourke and River Phoenix into the mix.”

3. Jesse G – ★★★★
   “A powerful and emotional film that tackles the difficult subject of teen suicide with sensitivity and depth. The performances are outstanding, particularly from Molly Ringwald and Zach Galligan.”

4. Sarah L – ★★★½
   “An intense and heartbreaking story that stays with you long after the credits roll. The cast delivers exceptional performances, making it a must-watch.”

5. Mark D – ★★★★
   “A haunting portrayal of love and loss. The film’s raw depiction of teenage struggles is both poignant and thought-provoking.”

Meta Description:
A tragic drama about young love and loss, Surviving (1985) follows two teenagers struggling with mental health and family pressure. Starring Zach Galligan, Molly Ringwald, and River Phoenix, this emotional film explores the impact of suicide on those left behind.