# Premiere and reception of film River

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/premiere-and-reception-of-film-river
> Updated: 2026-09-19T10:30:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Joshua Giuliano’s directorial debut, the horror film ‘River’, premiered in the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival. The slasher film, co-produced by Shudder, follows three siblings who are stalked by killers while attempting to scatter their father’s ashes at a remote river.

Following the premiere, critical reception has been mixed but generally positive. IndieWire characterized the film as a ‘classic and visceral’ experience, and The Wrap highlighted the director’s balance of ‘refreshing restraint’ and ‘bloody’ intensity. Conversely, The Guardian provided a more tempered critique, noting artistic flashes despite an ‘overdose of banality’ in the writing.

Since its festival debut, ‘River’ has secured a $10 million deal involving Universal, IFC, Shudder, and Blumhouse Atomic Monster. The film stars Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe as estranged sisters whose attempt to scatter their father's ashes via boat turns into a fight for survival against a masked killer. The project has been noted for its examination of grief and family dynamics alongside intense violence.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: New horror films ‘Sick’ and ‘River’ draw festival attention

New horror titles ‘Sick’, directed by Agata Trzebuchowska, and ‘River’, directed by Joshua Giuliano, are drawing attention at film festivals following significant distribution deals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-horror-films-sick-and-river-draw-festival-attention

### 2026-09-15: River horror film receives early reviews at TIFF

Joshua Giuliano’s debut slasher ‘River’ has debuted at TIFF, earning mixed but notable reviews for its visceral horror and cast featuring Jessica Rothe and Jane Levy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-horror-film-receives-early-reviews-at-tiff

### 2026-09-11: River horror film premieres at Toronto International Film Festival

Joshua Giuliano’s horror debut ‘River’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, blending family drama with slasher elements as three siblings fight for survival after being stalked by killers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-horror-film-premieres-at-toronto-international-film-festival

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Cite as: Premiere and reception of film River. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/premiere-and-reception-of-film-river