Early reports point to a major move by Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, as the studios are working to close a more than $10 million deal to acquire Josh Giuliano’s feature debut, River, from IFC/Shudder.
The news comes just after the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival over the weekend.
Written and directed by Giuliano, River 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 following their father’s sudden death. Hellbent on closing this chapter, they set out to scatter his ashes at his favorite spot: a remote river. But after their boat breaks down, their emotional trip takes a turn when they encounter a faceless killer on the shoreline.
River opened TIFF’s Midnight Madness section last week, immediately drawing attention from potential buyers. Last year, the festival produced Obsession, which went on to become a global juggernaut after Focus Features acquired the film for roughly $15 million. Studios have been anxious to see what the festival will churn out this year, hoping for a repeat. While the section has been strong, it appears all eyes are now on River.
