Exit 8 Trailer: Genki Kawamura’s Highly Praised Videogame Adaptation Launches in April

      Exit 8 Trailer: Genki Kawamura’s Acclaimed Videogame Adaptation Set to Release in April

      Mario, Mortal Kombat, Resident Evil, and Street Fighter aren't the only video game adaptations hitting theaters this year. Genki Kawamura's Exit 8, inspired by the popular game, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival last year and has since been showcased at Toronto, Sitges, Busan, and other festivals. With a release date of April 10 from NEON, the U.S. trailer is now available.

      Here’s the synopsis: “Based on the widely popular video game of the same name created by Kotake Create, the film tells the story of a man (Kazunari Ninomiya) who is trapped in an endless sterile subway corridor as he searches for Exit 8. The rules of his journey are straightforward: do not ignore anything unusual. If you encounter an anomaly, turn back immediately. If not, continue on. Ultimately, find Exit 8. However, even a single mistake will send him back to square one. Will he succeed in his quest and escape this endless hallway?"

      C.J. Prince noted in his review, “The game's simplicity and its use of the trending liminal horror subgenre contributed to the viral success of The Exit 8––with over 1.5 million copies sold––further enhanced by streamers whose videos have garnered millions of views. But how does one adapt a game that can be completed in mere minutes into a feature film? For director and co-writer Genki Kawamura, the answer lies in utilizing horror’s longstanding approach of embracing allegory. The premise of Exit 8 serves as a metaphor for how our routines can ensnare us in cycles of negative behaviors. The main character, The Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya), is seen during his daily journey through the Tokyo subway. While navigating the maze-like network of pedestrian tunnels, he receives a call from his recent ex-girlfriend, who informs him she is pregnant, and he must decide if he wants her to keep the baby.”

      Watch the trailer below.