Horror’s Formulaic Fade: What “River” Says About Our Genre-Fed Fears

The Midnight Madness strand at Toronto film festival has a reputation for launching the next big horror sensation, as exemplified by last year’s record-breaking hit Obsession. However, the latest entry in this genre-led showcase, River, fails to live up to expectations. It’s a reminder that, despite our fascination with fear, the tropes and conventions of horror are becoming increasingly stale.

The film, directed by Joshua Giuliano, has flashes of artfulness, particularly in its visual potential, which suggests he may be better suited to bringing someone else’s script to life next time around. But for now, River’s script is weighed down by an overwhelming sense of familiarity. This is not a new problem for horror fans; we’ve seen it before with films like Halloween and Friday the 13th, which relied on tired tropes and conventions to scare audiences.

The issue is that these formulas are becoming harder to shake off, even for directorial debuts, as if they’re being held back by an unspoken expectation to stick to what’s proven successful. The question is: why are we so resistant to change in horror? Is it because the formulaic approach is simply easier to market and sell to audiences, or are we genuinely afraid of venturing into new territory?

Our fear of death, loss, and the unknown has long been the driving force behind the genre. However, what’s more concerning is the impact this might have on the industry as a whole. As Shudder prepares to release River in 2027, one can’t help but wonder if the service will become a purveyor of formulaic horror, rather than a champion of innovative new voices.

This would be a shame, given its potential to disrupt the traditional Hollywood model. But for now, it seems we’re stuck in a cycle of predictability, where audiences are fed what they know and love – even if it’s no longer particularly original or exciting. As we look ahead to next year’s festival lineup, one can only hope that there will be more Obsessions and fewer Rivers. The horror genre is at its best when it pushes boundaries and takes risks; let’s see some bold new voices emerge from the shadows.

The film industry’s reliance on tried-and-true formulas is a phenomenon observed across various genres, including rom-coms, superhero flicks, and teen movies. But in horror, where the stakes are often higher and the scares are more visceral, this formulaic approach feels particularly jarring.

One possible explanation for our love of familiar tropes is that they provide a sense of comfort and security in an uncertain world. When faced with real-life terrors – from climate change to pandemics – it’s easier to retreat into a known narrative framework than to confront the unknown. But this also means we’re missing out on the chance to genuinely explore our deepest fears, rather than just scratching the surface.

Shudder’s upcoming release of River raises questions about its editorial direction and commitment to showcasing new voices in horror. Given the service’s reputation for championing innovative filmmakers, one hopes that it won’t become a dumping ground for formulaic horror. Instead, we should see a continued focus on emerging talent and bold storytelling.

However, what if this is exactly what audiences want? After all, there’s a certain comfort in knowing what to expect from a horror film – a certain reassuring predictability that comes with familiar tropes. Perhaps Shudder, like its competitors, will opt for the safer bet: playing it safe with a tried-and-true formula.

While we’re quick to dismiss films like River as overly familiar, perhaps we should be asking ourselves why this is happening in the first place. Is it because we’ve simply become too comfortable with the genre’s conventions? Or are there deeper structural issues at play – industry-wide expectations, marketing pressures, or even our own collective psyche?

The truth is that horror has always been about pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown. But when we default to formulaic storytelling, we’re not just losing out on originality; we’re also missing an opportunity to truly confront our fears and anxieties.

As we move forward into a new year of film festivals and releases, it’s clear that horror is at a crossroads. Will we continue down the path of formulaic storytelling, or will we take a chance on something new? The answer lies not just with filmmakers but also with audiences – who have the power to demand more from their horror movies.

If we’re genuinely interested in exploring our deepest fears and anxieties, then it’s time to shake off the shackles of predictability. Let’s see some bold new voices emerge from the shadows, armed with a willingness to take risks and push boundaries. For only when we dare to be different will we truly be able to face what scares us most.