River Review: A So-So Survival Slasher with Little New to Offer 2026

In our River review, we dive into the so-so survival slasher that offers more of the same and little else. Directed by Joshua Giuliano, this film opened the Midnight Madness strand at the Toronto International Film Festival, but fails to reach the heights of last year's breakout hit.

River Review: A Familiar Survival Slasher

It would be unwise and unfair to expect that Toronto’s genre-led Midnight Madness strand would open with quite the same jolt as it did last year with the record-breaking horror hit Obsession. That film was an outlier in almost every respect, both as it premiered and as it was unleashed on wider crowds, the highest-grossing festival acquisition of all time topping out at over $513m worldwide and sparking genuine Oscar buzz. But it hasn’t curbed the thirst, or wider speculation, over whether anything might come even remotely close to what Curry Barker achieved and whether the festival might start to rival Sundance as the smartest place for new and exciting horror film-makers to premiere their debut projects.

The jury is out with the festival having just begun, but the Midnight strand is off to a far less notable start this time around with the mostly unremarkable survival slasher River, a film directed with flashes of artfulness but written with an overwhelm of familiarity. Writer-director debuts have increasingly tended to follow that pattern (it’s OK not to do everything!) and I think Joshua Giuliano has at least shown enough visual potential here to ably steer someone else’s script to screen next time. It’s a shame as I do have a soft spot for the rare horror films that centre siblings over romantic pairings or friends, adding a different kind of emotional texture and more interesting dynamics.

Plot and Characters: More of the Same

River follows a group of friends who venture into a remote river area, only to be stalked by a masked killer. The setup is painfully familiar: a group of twenty-somethings, a secluded location, and a series of increasingly gruesome deaths. The film attempts to add depth through a sibling relationship between the protagonist and her brother, but the execution feels half-baked. The characters are thinly drawn, making it hard to invest in their survival.

The killer's motivation is revealed in a third-act exposition dump that feels both rushed and unearned. While there are a few tense sequences, they are undercut by predictable jump scares and a lack of originality. The dialogue is often clunky, and the pacing drags in the middle act.

Direction and Visuals: Flashes of Potential

Where River does show promise is in its direction. Giuliano has an eye for composition and atmosphere. The river setting is utilized effectively, with some genuinely creepy shots of the water at night. The sound design is also above average, creating a sense of dread in key moments. However, these strengths are not enough to elevate the material.

The gore effects are practical and well-done, which will please genre fans. But the film lacks a distinct visual identity that would set it apart from countless other slashers. It feels like a calling card for a director who might do better with a stronger script.

How River Compares to Other Survival Slashers

To give you a better idea of where River stands, here's a comparison with similar films:

Key Takeaways from Our River Review

• Familiar premise: The film relies on well-worn slasher tropes without adding anything new.
• Weak script: Characters are underdeveloped, and the dialogue often falls flat.
• Visual potential: Director Joshua Giuliano shows skill behind the camera, suggesting a promising future.
• Gore hounds rejoice: Practical effects are solid, but they can't save the overall experience.
• Not a must-see: Unless you're a die-hard slasher fan, River is skippable.

FAQ

Final Verdict

River is a so-so survival slasher that fails to distinguish itself. While there are glimpses of directorial talent, the script's lack of originality and weak character development make it a forgettable entry in the genre. Fans of the genre may find some mild entertainment, but most viewers can safely skip it.

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of surf rods, saltwater rods, monofilament line, gift fisherman, and waders men women. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of pliers freshwater saltwater, lures trout, lures, bait trout, and rod brands. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.