Slasher ‘River’ Earns an ‘R’ Rating for “Strong Bloody Violence” and “Grisly Images”

One of the most talked-about horror films to emerge from this year’s festival circuit is Joshua Giuliano’s River, a brutal new slasher that has already caught the attention of Universal and Blumhouse’s Atomic Monster.

The film is set to hit theaters on January 15, 2027, and has now officially received an R rating from the MPA for “strong bloody violence, some grisly images, and language.”

Universal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster acquired River for a reported $10 million following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film has also made a strong impression with critics, currently holding a 94% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The slasher stars Jane Levy (Evil Dead) and Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day) alongside Max Mattern (Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy) and Dane DiLiegro (Prey).

River follows three estranged siblings who return to their hometown following the death of their father. Hoping to scatter his ashes at one of his favorite spots, they head deep into a remote river by boat.

Their plans quickly turn into a nightmare when the boat breaks down, leaving them stranded miles from civilization with no cell service. Things become even more terrifying when they discover that a faceless killer has emerged from the surrounding woods and is hunting them.

With nowhere to run, the siblings are forced to bury their differences and work together if they want to survive the night against a ruthless killer who seems almost more myth than human.

Written and directed by Joshua Giuliano, River marks the filmmaker’s feature directorial debut.

The film has already earned praise on the festival circuit, with Bloody Disgusting’s Meagan Navarro highlighting its use of familiar slasher conventions while praising its pacing, cast, and remote setting.

With its R rating promising bloody violence and grisly imagery, River looks poised to deliver a throwback slasher experience when it arrives in theaters next January.

River opens in theaters on January 15, 2027.