A new nightmare is brewing in the woods. Two modern horror icons, Jane Levy (Evil Dead, Don’t Breathe) and Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day), are joining forces for a chilling new horror film titled River, which has officially entered production. The movie promises a haunting blend of survival horror and folklore, set against an isolated natural backdrop that’s as beautiful as it is deadly.
River follows three estranged siblings who reunite to scatter their late father’s ashes along a secluded river. What begins as a somber family ritual quickly spirals into terror when their boat breaks down, leaving them stranded in dense, uncharted wilderness. As night falls, the siblings realize they are not alone, something ancient and monstrous lurks within the trees, watching their every move.
The film marks the feature debut of writer-director Joshua Giuliano, whose short horror works have already earned praise for their atmospheric storytelling and psychological tension. Behind the project are producers Nick Antosca (Channel Zero, Chucky) and Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity, Insidious), names that carry serious weight in the horror industry. Their involvement signals a return to raw, character-driven fear, stripped of gimmicks and grounded in primal suspense.
Adding to the excitement, Prey and American Horror Stories star Dane DiLiegro is set to play a key role, possibly tied to the mysterious threat stalking the riverbanks. While plot specifics remain under wraps, early production teasers hint at a mix of creature horror and psychological disintegration, exploring both the terror of isolation and the fractures within a family forced to confront its past.
The combination of Levy and Rothe, two of the genre’s most beloved final girls, is already fueling anticipation among horror fans. Their collaboration not only unites two franchises’ fanbases but also represents a fresh step forward for female-led horror storytelling.
While no release date has been confirmed yet, production is expected to wrap in early 2026, with a festival premiere likely later in the year. River looks set to deliver everything horror fans crave: layered characters, relentless tension, and the creeping dread of nature turning hostile.
Brace yourself, once you enter River, there’s no way out.
