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River: A Primal Horror Experience
10 Sep
Summary
- Siblings spread ashes downriver, encountering a masked threat.
- Director blends classic slasher tropes with modern subversions.
- Film uses striking visuals and unsettling sound for horror.
Joshua Giuliano's debut feature, "River," will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2026. This slasher film centers on three siblings on a boat journey to spread their father's ashes, a trip that takes a terrifying turn when they spot a masked assailant.
Giuliano, who both wrote and directed, sought to create a primal horror experience reminiscent of '70s classics like "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" but with unique subversions. He aimed for a stripped-down approach, focusing on characters being hunted and the relentlessness of death.
The film leverages the talents of Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe, known for their horror roles. Their portrayal of estranged siblings allows for palpable tension before the on-screen bloodshed escalates.
Visually, "River" draws inspiration from films like "Stalker," employing inventive use of light, shadows, and color. Cinematographer Nick Matthews and Giuliano aimed to create dissonance by juxtaposing brutal moments within beautiful natural settings, specifically West Virginia, to unsettle the audience.
Sound design is a crucial element, intentionally used to heighten fear and discomfort. Giuliano notes that the unseen and unheard, imagined by the audience, is often more terrifying than what is explicitly shown, encouraging audience participation.
Ultimately, Giuliano describes "River" as a back-to-basics film, relying on relatable characters, an engaging location, and a terrifying villain to scare the audience effectively.
