Universal, Blumhouse Closing Deal for TIFF Slasher River

Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster are closing a deal to acquire North American distribution rights for Joshua Giuliano's slasher film 'River' for more than $10 million. The agreement, described as the first major transaction of the Toronto International Film Festival, follows the film's world premiere in the festival's Midnight Madness section. The deal involves selling the rights from Independent Film Company and Shudder, which originally backed the project. According to reports, the acquisition price is north of $10 million. Universal Pictures had no comment on the deal. 'River' is Giuliano's feature debut. He wrote and directed the film, which stars Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, and Max Mattern as estranged siblings who reunite in their hometown after their father's death. While attempting to scatter his ashes at a remote river, their boat breaks down, and the trip turns into a nightmare. Dane DiLiegro also stars. The film opened TIFF's Midnight Madness section to a positive reception. A programmer for the section called it "one of the most suspenseful slashers I've seen in years," and the premiere received a strong audience response.