[3] The film is set in the Broward and Dade Counties of Florida, between Miami and the Everglades (nicknamed "the River of Grass").

The story concerns a local couple who attempt to flee South Florida after their involvement in a shooting incident, but lack the money to get away.

"[2] Her subsequent films, such as Wendy and Lucy and Meek's Cutoff, involve similar themes, of people trying to leave a place but frustrated by their lack of resources.

In January 2015, distributor Oscilloscope Laboratories launched a Kickstarter in order to digitally restore the film.

[10] The New York Times film critic Stephen Holden described River of Grass as having "the look and feel of a sophisticated home movie featuring everyday people instead of actors."