Robb Moss’s new documentary, "The Bend in the River," revisits a group of five longtime friends as they reflect on their lives in their seventies. The film, currently in theaters, draws on footage spanning nearly five decades, beginning with their time as young rafting guides on the Colorado River in 1978.

The subjects—Danny Silver, Jim Ticknor, Cathy Shaw, Jeff Golden, and Barry Wasserman—first appeared in Moss’s 1978 short "Riverdogs" and then again in 2003’s "The Same River Twice," which captured them in middle age. "The Bend in the River" returns to these five individuals some 20 years later, weaving archival footage from the earlier films into conversations with the men and women as they contemplate their pasts, present circumstances, and the passage of time.

The documentary highlights the contrast between their youthful vigor and current reflections on aging, legacy, and what truly matters in life. Early scenes show them as bronzed, carefree young adults navigating the river’s currents, followed by images of them balancing the demands of family and career in middle age. Now visibly beyond their physical prime, their conversations reveal a nuanced understanding of life’s complexities and shifting priorities.

Silver remarks with a wry smile on the legacy of their generation, suggesting it must extend beyond superficial accomplishments. The friends watch excerpts from their younger selves, commenting on their past innocence and the unforeseen realities of growing older. They discuss how some concerns they held in youth have faded in importance, while previously overlooked aspects of life have gained significance over time. One reflects quietly on the notion that, at this stage, there is little left untried or undone.

Though none of the five are public figures, three have sought elected office, including Jeff Golden, whose 2020 State Senate campaign is shown in the film. His bid encounters difficulties when political opponents unearth his past statements about infidelity made in "The Same River Twice," highlighting the ongoing interplay between private history and public life.

Moss’s film is not intended as a biography of prominent individuals but rather as a broader meditation on aging and memory. The subjects serve as stand-ins for viewers who have reached, or aspire to reach, a similar phase of life. It raises universal questions about how people evaluate their experiences when the future begins to appear shorter than the past.

In its approach and tone, "The Bend in the River" aligns with other recent documentaries such as Ralph Arlyck’s "I Like It Here" and Ross McElwee’s "Remake," which explore personal histories with a blend of humor and poignancy. Through candid conversations and simple moments, the film offers an understated but profound meditation on life’s trajectory, inviting audiences to consider their own journeys and legacies as time advances.