‘River’ Review: This Macabre, Magnificent Horror Slasher Will Drown You in Pure Terror

Joshua Giuliano's "River" brings a macabre, magnificent horror slasher to life. Three troubled siblings, Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, and Max Mattern, embark on a trip down the river to mourn a recent loss. However, they soon find themselves in grave danger as they encounter a murderous force that will stop at nothing to kill them.

This simple yet effective premise is executed with visceral finesse and bloody flair, making it a film that never rests on its laurels. The killer, reminiscent of Tobe Hooper's "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," adds an energizing element to the experience. Kicking off the Midnight Madness section at the Toronto International Film Festival, "River" marks Giuliano as a name to watch in the horror genre.

While the film occasionally stumbles with stilted dialogue, the well-crafted sequences and thrilling scares are too captivating to ignore. Running just over 90 minutes, "River" leaves viewers ready to explore whatever Giuliano may do next.