Universal and Blumhouse in Talks to Nab TIFF Slasher ‘River’ From IFC and Shudder

Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster are closing a deal to acquire Josh Giuliano’s feature debut “River” from IFC/Shudder, TheWrap has learned. This follows the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. According to Indiewire, which first reported the news, the horror film could sell for more than $10 million. Written and directed by Giuliano, the film stars Jane Levy (“Evil Dead”), Jessica Rothe (“Happy Death Day”) and Max Mattern (“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne”) 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 (“Prey”) also stars in the film. “River” opened TIFF’s Midnight Madness section, which last year saw such films as “Obsession” and “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” among its lineup. With all eyes on the section this year to find a prospective runaway hit, Midnight Madness programmer Peter Kuplowsky told TheWrap ahead of the festival that “River” was the one to watch. “Josh is going to be a filmmaker that a lot of people are going to want to work with,” Kuplowsky said, praising the film as “one of the most suspenseful slashers I’ve seen in years.” Audiences seem to agree, with the film scoring positive reviews and receiving a rowdy, cheer-filled reception at its midnight premiere. When leaving TheWrap’s studio the morning after the premiere, Giuliano confirmed that he is “thinking about” making a sequel to “River” in the future. Universal had no comment. More to come…