‘River of Ghosts’ (2024) Movie Review - A Wanna-Be Horror that Doesn’t Scare

Like I always say, horror movie fans, this is a disappointment and hence you must watch at your own risk. First things first River of Ghosts promises a chilling blend of psychological thriller and supernatural horror, but what unfolds is a lackluster attempt that struggles to deliver on either front. The film follows Dr. Halton (played by Conner Flyod), who returns to his hometown of Mendocina to practice hypnotherapy. While the premise holds potential, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired, particularly in its acting and narrative development.

Dr. Halton’s character is introduced as a man battling his own insecurities, eager to gain recognition in a small town filled with repressed memories and psychological wounds. His hypnotherapy sessions gradually make him a local sensation, though his internal struggle with self-doubt adds a thin layer of complexity. The story takes a turn when a desperate man,  claims his deceased wife is haunting their home. Dr. Halton, in an effort to prove himself, decides to confront this supernatural case head-on, sparking what should be the core horror element of the film. Now this is a case that is difficult to solve and he doesn’t know what to do. He feels helpless as he sees the man struggle with the demonic entity. How will Dr Halton save him?

Unfortunately, the acting undermines any tension the plot aims to create. Conner Flyod's portrayal of Dr. Halton is wooden and unconvincing. His delivery of emotionally charged scenes feels rehearsed, lacking the depth and intensity needed to convey his character’s psychological turmoil. Similarly, the supporting cast fails to elevate the story.

The film’s attempt at horror is where it stumbles most prominently. Writer and director Jules East lean heavily on outdated jump scares and eerie river fog clichés, but these elements feel more like a parody of classic horror than an homage. The haunting sequences are predictable, with the "ghost" appearing at conveniently timed moments that are neither shocking nor suspenseful. Even the atmospheric setting of Mendocina, a foggy riverside town ripe for mystery, is underutilized. Instead of immersing the audience in dread, the cinematography feels dull and uninspired.

The narrative itself also struggles with coherence. The concept of the river as a metaphor for emotional cleansing is intriguing but poorly developed. What could have been a powerful symbol of Dr. Halton’s personal transformation is instead reduced to repetitive, superficial montages of him staring into the water. The film’s climax—meant to be a revelation of both the ghost’s motives and Dr. Halton’s internal awakening—comes off as rushed and anticlimactic.

Ultimately, River of Ghosts is a disappointment. Its ambitious premise of intertwining psychological depth with supernatural horror is overshadowed by weak performances, a cliché-ridden plot, and a lack of genuine scares. What could have been a thoughtful exploration of trauma and redemption ends up as a forgettable attempt at horror, leaving viewers wondering what might have been with stronger direction and a more compelling cast?

While River of Ghosts offers an interesting concept, its poor execution makes it more of a shallow stream than the deep, haunting river it strives to be.

Final Score- [3/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times