River horror film premieres at Toronto International Film Festival

Joshua Giuliano’s feature directorial debut, ‘River’, premiered in the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is described as an atmospheric slasher that functions as both a brutal horror movie and a heavy family drama.

The plot follows three siblings—played by Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, and Max Mattern—who reunite to scatter their late father’s ashes at a remote river. Their attempt to mourn is interrupted when they become stranded and are stalked by masked killers. The narrative explores the siblings' strained relationships and differing perspectives on their traumatic childhoods while they fight for survival.