Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster Closing Huge Deal for Joshua Giuliano’s Slasher Film ‘River’

Exclusive: The horror film could sell for more than $10 million, making it one of TIFF's biggest pacts.

Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster are closing a blockbuster deal to buy Joshua Giuliano‘s “River” following the slasher film’s world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

“River” was originally backed by Independent Film Company and Shudder, but Universal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster may have convinced the companies to sell the distribution rights to the horror film for north of $10 million, sources say. If the pact closes, it will likely be one of the biggest sales out of TIFF and will be a financial windfall for the indie studio.

It’s a testament to how highly Giuliano is regarded by Universal and its longtime partner Blumhouse. But it shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Last week, Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal’s indie label, Focus Features, announced that they were making “Occupant,” the next film from Giuliano, a rising star in the horror movie world. “River” is his feature debut. He wrote the script, in addition to directing it.

The pact is a huge shot in the arm for Giuliano, whose trajectory seems to mirror that of Curry Barker, another talented young director who was also discovered at TIFF. Blumhouse and Focus released “Obsession” after acquiring it for $15 million. It grossed $512.6 million globally and became one of the year’s biggest hits. The companies have doubled down on the Barker business, setting up his next project “Anything but Ghosts.”

“River” follows three estranged siblings whose attempts to scatter their dad’s ashes end with them adrift along a rural waterway while being stalked by a masked serial killer. The film was the first production for Shudder, which is Independent Film Company’s horror-themed streaming service.

IndieWire praised the film in its TIFF review, writing, “Though ‘River’ is destined to be seen at home on Shudder, this is one to catch on the big screen. In his first feature, Giuliano delivers a classic, visceral horror experience.”

It’s not shocking that Giuliano was on Blumhouse’s radar. Earlier this year, the company hired Sam Zimmerman from Shudder to oversee its indie slate. Giuliano worked on “River” during his time at Shudder, and that early championing helped the company recognize his talent for scaring the you-know-what out of audiences.

“River” stars Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, Max Mattern, and Dane DiLiegro. Its producers include Nick Antosca, Alex Hedlund, and Steven Schneider. Executive producers include Roy Lee, Ben Ross, Matt Brodlie, Jonathan Kier, Jeffrey Tinnell, Robert Tinnell, and Jason Blum.

Giuliano was part of the American Film Institute’s directing program. His short films have won awards at genre festivals, Fantasia, Fantastic Fest, and FrightFest among them. He is represented by CAA, Kaplan Perrone Entertainment, and Marios Rush.

Spokespeople for Universal, Blumhouse, and Independent Film Company declined to comment.

In addition to Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Focus, Divide/Conquer, and Spooky Pictures will produce “Occupant.” Blum and James Wan, who run Blumhouse Atomic Monster, have shown a talent for finding and developing up-and-coming talent. The company also backed “Backrooms,” a YouTube-inspired horror film from 20-year-old wunderkind Kane Parsons. A24 distributed that film, which earned $394.1 million worldwide.

Will “River” be the next “Obsession” or “Backrooms”? Universal appears to be banking on it.