River horror film receives early reviews at TIFF

The horror film ‘River’, directed by Joshua Giuliano, has received intriguing early reviews following its screening in the ‘Midnight Madness’ section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Co-produced by the horror-focused streaming service Shudder, the slasher follows three siblings who reunite to scatter their late father’s ashes by a river, only to be hunted by a faceless killer. The film features a cast of established horror performers, including Jessica Rothe and Jane Levy, alongside Max Mattern and Dane DiLiegro.

Critical reception has been mixed but generally positive regarding its execution. IndieWire described the debut feature as a ‘classic and visceral’ horror experience, while The Wrap noted Giuliano’s ability to balance ‘refreshing restraint’ with ‘bloody’ intensity. However, The Guardian offered a more tempered view, suggesting the film possesses artistic flashes despite being written with an ‘overdose of banality’.