New horror films ‘Sick’ and ‘River’ draw festival attention

New horror films are gaining attention on the festival circuit. Agata Trzebuchowska, known for her role in the Oscar-winning film ‘Ida’, is making her feature directorial debut with ‘Sick’. The film follows two siblings, Maks and Emma, who travel to the Polish countryside to care for their ailing grandmother. Set against an oppressive summer heat, the story explores themes of adolescence, family bonds, and body horror as the siblings' relationship transforms under isolation.

In a separate development, Joshua Giuliano’s slasher debut, ‘River’, has secured a $10 million deal with Universal, IFC, Shudder, and Blumhouse Atomic Monster. Starring Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe as estranged sisters, the film follows their attempt to scatter their father's ashes via boat. The journey turns into a fight for survival when they become stranded and targeted by a masked killer. The film has been noted for its examination of grief and family dynamics amidst intense violence.