River review
Toronto film festival: strong performances from two experienced scream queens and some surprisingly thoughtful direction can’t elevate yet another stalk-by-numbers horror
TL;DR
- "River" opened TIFF's Midnight Madness strand, failing to match last year's horror hit "Obsession."
- The film is a survival slasher centered on three siblings scattering their father's ashes.
- Director Joshua Giuliano shows visual potential but the script is derivative and lacks originality.
- Lead actresses Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe deliver strong performances, elevating the material.
- The antagonist, played by Dane DiLiegro, has an imposing look but unclear motivations and backstory.
- The film's pacing and lack of genuine scares prevent it from being propulsive or seat-edging.
- A mid-credits scene sets up a potential cinematic universe, which the reviewer deems unnecessary.
- "River" premieres at TIFF and will later be available on Shudder.