Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster are in talks to acquire Josh Giuliano’s TIFF slasher “River,” with the deal value described as north of $10 million. The film was originally backed by Independent Film Company and Shudder before its world premiere in Toronto, and the transaction would become the festival’s first major deal. IndieWire first reported the discussions.
The package
The film stars Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe and Max Mattern as estranged siblings who reunite after their father’s death. A trip to scatter his ashes at a remote river turns into a fight for survival after their boat breaks down. Dane DiLiegro also appears.
Giuliano wrote and directed. Producers are 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.
- Buyer: Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster
- Price: North of $10 million
- Original backers: Independent Film Company and Shudder
- Genre: Slasher/survival horror with festival and horror-leaning leads
- Director’s next project: “Occupant,” set at Focus Features
Why the number matters
An eight-figure sale for a debut feature at Toronto is a meaningful signal. It shows theatrical horror is still a priority for buyers even as streamers carry a larger share of film financing. Levy and Rothe bring genre recognition from “Evil Dead” and “Happy Death Day,” which can lower the marketing cost of introducing a new title.
The deal also looks like a filmmaker-level bet. Sam Zimmerman, who now leads the indie slate at Blumhouse Atomic Monster, had a previous relationship with Giuliano from his Shudder days. Giuliano’s next film, “Occupant,” is already set up with Focus Features and has Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Spooky Pictures among its backers, so this acquisition would deepen a pipeline rather than simply buy one finished film.
What to watch
For media planners and entertainment marketers, the next indicator is release strategy. If Universal closes, expect the usual decision between a wide theatrical push, a shorter PVOD window, or an accelerated Peacock placement. Horror has consistently converted targeted marketing into opening-weekend demand, but “River” will test whether a festival slasher can expand beyond genre fans with the right campaign.
Source: Variety
