Independent Film Company and Shudder are teaming up to unleash a new slice of survival horror with River, the feature debut from filmmaker Joshua Giuliano. Currently in post-production and gearing up for a theatrical run via Independent Film Company, the film will also be hitting the international market, with Upgrade introducing it to buyers at the American Film Market.
Leading the cast is Jane Levy, whose roles in Don’t Breathe and Evil Dead has already carved her firmly into the modern horror canon. She’s joined by Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day), Dane DiLiegro (Prey), and Max Mattern (Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy).
The story follows three estranged siblings returning to their hometown to fulfill their father’s last wish – scattering his ashes at a secluded river spot he loved. But what starts as an uneasy emotional journey quickly spirals into something far more terrifying when the siblings’ boat breaks down, leaving them stranded miles from help with no signal and no way back to safety. As tensions rise and night closes in, a faceless, near-mythic figure emerges from the woods. Forced to confront the fractures that drove them apart for years, the siblings must find a way to depend on one another if they want to survive the darkness stalking them.
Giuliano’s path into horror filmmaking traces back to an upbringing in the cornfields of Indiana, where a religious environment and the constant feeling of fear sowed the seeds for the deeply personal horror he produces today. His shorts have already left their mark at festivals such as the Fantasia Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, and Frightfest. “River was six years in the making, a labor of love that culminated in the most rewarding experience of my life,” Giuliano says. “Working with Shudder has been a thrilling collaboration and knowing River will have a theatrical release is a dream come true. I look forward to sharing our terrifying creation with audiences.”
Shudder’s Vice President of Development and Production Nicholas Lazo added, “Josh is a striking new voice in horror. His simultaneously beautiful and horrifying script captivated us from page one, and it’s our privilege to team up with such an immensely talented group of producers, cast and crew to bring his feature debut to life.”
The film is produced by Steven Schneider (Insidious, Paranormal Activity) for Spooky Pictures; Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund (Brand New Cherry Flavor, Chucky, Verity) for Eat the Cat; and Jeffrey and Robert Tinnell (The Hunted, Feast of the Seven Fishes) for Allegheny Image Factory. Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier from Upgrade are executive producers.
