Blumhouse is preparing to kick off 2027 with another terrifying addition to the horror genre, and this time, the nightmare takes place on the water. River, an upcoming slasher from writer-director Joshua Giuliano, takes what should be a peaceful family farewell and turns it into a deadly fight for survival. With an isolated setting, a mysterious killer, and nowhere to escape, this could be an interesting way to start the new year for horror fans.
The story follows three estranged siblings who return to their rural hometown following their father’s death. Hoping to honor his memory, they head out on a boat to scatter his ashes at his favorite spot along a remote river. Unfortunately, their emotional journey takes a horrifying turn when their boat becomes stranded, leaving them vulnerable to a faceless killer stalking them from the shoreline. What started as a chance to reconnect quickly becomes a desperate struggle to stay alive.
One of the more exciting things about River is its cast. Jane Levy, known for Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, joins Jessica Rothe from the Happy Death Day films and Max Mattern as the three siblings. Both Levy and Rothe have already made their mark in horror, making their involvement especially appealing for fans of the genre.
The film also arrives with some early buzz following its premiere in the Midnight Madness program at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. Originally associated with Independent Film Company and Shudder, River attracted the attention of Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, which acquired the film for a theatrical release. It’s an encouraging sign for a smaller horror project getting the opportunity to reach a wider audience.
There’s something particularly unsettling about horror movies set in the middle of nowhere, especially when the characters have limited options for escaping. Being trapped on a river adds another layer of tension, and the idea of a killer lurking along the shoreline could make for some memorable scares. Of course, we’ll have to see whether River delivers on that potential when it arrives in theaters.
River is scheduled to hit theaters on January 15, 2027, through Universal Pictures. For horror fans looking for something new after the holiday season, this might be one worth keeping on the radar.
