Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster are closing a more than $10 million deal to acquire Josh Giuliano’s feature debut “River” from IFC and Shudder, TheWrap has learned. The acquisition follows the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it opened the Midnight Madness section. Universal had no comment.
Written and directed by Giuliano, the slasher stars Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, and Max Mattern as 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. Dane DiLiegro also stars.
Midnight Madness programmer Peter Kuplowsky told TheWrap ahead of the festival that “River” was the one to watch, praising it as “one of the most suspenseful slashers I’ve seen in years.” He added, “Josh is going to be a filmmaker that a lot of people are going to want to work with.” The film received positive reviews and a rowdy, cheer-filled reception at its midnight premiere.
The acquisition grows out of a relationship that predates the deal. Sam Zimmerman, who now leads the Indies slate at Blumhouse Atomic Monster, worked with Giuliano on “River” during his time at Shudder. That early championing helped the company recognize his talent and bring both the film and the filmmaker into its slate. When leaving TheWrap’s studio the morning after the premiere, Giuliano confirmed that he is already “thinking about” making a sequel to “River” in the future.
Producers include Nick Antosca, Alex Hedlund, and Steven Schneider. Executive producers include Roy Lee, Ben Ross, Matt Brodlie, Jonathan Kier, Jeffrey Tinnell, Robert Tinnell, and Jason Blum.