Based on the polarizing 1973 novel CRASH by English author J.G. Ballard, David Cronenberg‘s equally polarizing adaptation caused an uproar when it was released in 1996. Praised by (some) critics and widely admonished by others, the film has gained something of a cult audience in the nearly 25 years years since.

In Cronenberg‘s distinctly austere, cold, and removed style, he tells the story of a TV director who survives a terrible car crash, (James Spader, in a standout performance) only to become immersed in a strange sub-culture of sexual fetishism, specifically having to do with those who become sexually aroused by both staging and participating in very real, and sometimes dangerous, car crashes. Things get interesting when he tries to replicate the raw, unusual charge of his new predilection in an attempt to jump-start his marital sex life.

Despite the passage of time, CRASH manages to land solidly among the director’s body of work: like most of his filmography, it is a story of a community overrun by infection.

Also starring Holly Hunter, Elias Koteas, Debroah Kara Unger, Rosanna Arquette.

“It’s a dark, disturbing, languorous movie, as ludicrous, hermetic and repetitive, perhaps, as Ballard’s original, but admirably assured and true to itself.” (Time Out)

“[A] necessarily disturbing and equally profound inquiry into human desire, however self-destructive.” (Slant Magazine)

Friday, May 22
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

#FridayLateNight is date night. Bring your favorite crash test dummy and get 2 for 1 tickets!

CRASH (David Cronenberg, 1996 / 100 mins / 18A) | After getting into a serious car accident, a TV director discovers an underground sub-culture of scarred, omnisexual car-crash victims who use car accidents and the raw sexual energy they produce to try to rejuvenate his sex life with his wife.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s box office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds, exchanges or transfers.