Siblings' Road Trip Turns Deadly in 'River'

Joshua Giuliano's feature film debut, 'River,' offers a chilling blend of atmospheric horror and intense family drama. The narrative follows three siblings who gather to scatter their late father's ashes on the river where he once frequented. Their solemn reunion takes a dark turn when their boat becomes stuck beneath a bridge, trapping them as two masked assailers begin to hunt them from both sides.

The sibling dynamic, portrayed by Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, and Max Mattern, feels authentic as they navigate strained relationships and conflicting recollections of their past. Rothe and Levy excel at depicting sisterly conflict, while Mattern provides moments of levity amidst the gripping terror. Dane DiLiegro, standing at six feet eight inches, instills palpable fear as the silent, imposing killer, enhancing the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

'River' distinguishes itself in the slasher genre with its raw simplicity, eschewing excessive stylization for genuine tension. Director Giuliano crafts a disquieting environment, lulling audiences into a false sense of security before delivering shocking violence. The film opens and closes with scenes framing violent aftermaths, immersing viewers in the characters' terror and leaving the door open for a potential franchise.