One of this year’s most acclaimed horror movies on the festival scene is director Joshua Giuliano’s River, which has been picked up for release by Universal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster.
River will release in theaters January 15, 2027. The slasher movie has received an ‘R’ rating from the MPA this week for: “strong bloody violence, some grisly images, and language.”
Universal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster picked up the slasher film for $10 million out of the Toronto International Film Festival. Reviews have been strong, with River currently at a 94% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Jane Levy (Evil Dead) and Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day) star.
The upcoming River follows three estranged siblings who reunite in their hometown after the death of their father. They set out to scatter his ashes at his favorite spot on a remote river, but when their boat breaks down, the trip devolves into a waking nightmare.
Stranded miles from help with no cell service, they soon realize they’re being stalked by a faceless killer who has emerged from the woods. To survive the night, the siblings must put their long-standing grudges aside and fight together against a ruthless, almost mythic terror.
Max Mattern (“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”) and Dane DiLiegro (Prey) also star in the slasher film, which marks the feature debut of writer-director Joshua Giuliano.
Meagan Navarro wrote in her review, “River doesn’t break from convention but instead uses the slasher tropes in its favor to ramp up the tension at a brisk and steady clip. It’s lean and efficient, anchored by its tremendous cast and a unique setting that’s utilized to its fullest.”
Slasher Movie ‘River’ Gets ‘R’ Rating for “Strong Bloody Violence” and “Grisly Images”
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