‘River,’ Slasher Movie That Set Off a Bidding War, Opens in January

Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster will release “River” in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 15, 2027. It will face off against “The Beekeeper 2” and Jason Statham’s “Children of Blood and Bone,” an adaptation of the hit YA novel.

“River”, which follows three estranged siblings who reunite in their hometown after their father’s death to scatter his ashes only to find themselves with a killer after a killer, was a hit at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was produced by Independent Film Company and Shudder, and was expected to be released on the genre label’s streaming service. This was Shudder’s first original production. Those plans changed, however, when Blumhouse and Universal swooped in after the premiere and signed a deal for more than $10 million for the film rights.

Although the deal surprised observers, it made strategic sense. “River” writer and director Joshua Giuliano was already in business with the companies. Shortly before the film ended, Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal’s indie label, Focus Features, announced that they were producing “Occupant,” the next film from Giuliano. But to get the rights to his first feature, Universal and Blumhouse had to beat out other competitors, including Sony Pictures and Netflix.

“It is a great pleasure to see our first Shudder Original Production launch in Toronto with this kind of response – from audiences, critics and the market -,” said Scott Shooman, head of the IFC.
Entertainment Group, said in a statement. “Across Shudder and IFC, we’ve always focused on identifying projects and working with established and next-generation creative visionaries and Josh is exactly the kind of filmmaker we bet on. ‘River’ is a film that demonstrates our unparalleled belief in the genre, the strength of our creative relationships and our ability to elevate bold and unique films that break through.”

“River” stars Jane Levy (“Evil Dead”), Jessica Rothe (“Happy Death Day”), Max Matter (“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”), and Dane DiLiegro (“Prey”). Currently, the film has a 94% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Blumhouse has been very tight this year, releasing hits like “Backrooms” and “Obsession” from Kane Parsons and Curry Barker, two filmmakers in their 20s who represent a new generation of creative talent.