Never has watching a movie felt like playing a video game quite as much as in the new film, Exit 8. Directed by Genki Kawamaura, the film is based on a game by Kotake Create in which the player navigates a subterranean loop, picking up on subtle changes, allowing them to exit. Here, that format is brought to life in a very clear, very simple way that encourages a level of engagement that feels unique and wholly rewarding.
We start with “the Lost Man,” played by Kazunari Ninomiya. He’s a seemingly normal guy who is having a seemingly normal morning until he gets some very big news. Before he can digest it, though, he finds himself stuck in an endless loop in an underground subway station. Eventually, he reads the rules of this space, revealing that you must keep moving forward unless you witness some type of anomaly. If you see one of those, turn around and continue.
And so the audience, like the character, instantly becomes involved. The Lost Man walks through the space, noting everything, committing it to memory, and you do the same. When there is something slightly different, you get excited for him if he notices or frustrated if he doesn’t. Much like watching someone else play a video game, you marvel at his skills as well as his mistakes.
That level of not just emotional but also physical investment is just not an emotion you often feel watching a movie. There’s a tension and level of participation that left me impressed and surprised. I thought I was going in to see this simple horror movie, but after about 10-15 minutes, I wanted to (but did not) scream at the screen or control the characters with a controller.
This works in large part due to the simple, beautiful design of the film. Kawamaura draws from the game in creating a very sparse, bright space, with distinct, easy-to-notice features: doors, posters, signs, etc. And as the film familiarizes you with them, you find yourself trying to get ahead of the movie itself, peeking around the corners, looking for those anomalies, which are the key to exiting. When the Lost Man makes a mistake, you’re both delighted to see what’s next and disappointed at the struggle. And, of course, many of those mistakes are either a result of, or result in, some really creepy, unsettling stuff happening.
What makes Exit 8 especially interesting, though, is that there is much more to it than that. While the film initially starts with the Lost Man, the narrative soon expands by following other characters we initially thought were just NPCs (non-player characters). Yamato Kochi plays the Walking Man, and Naru Asanuma is the Boy, both of whom play integral roles in expanding the narrative.
Then, just to really put a bow on things, the biggest surprise in the whole film is what it’s actually about. Events you seemingly forgot about from early in the film are given fresh perspectives, wrapping Exit 8 up in a very satisfying, positive, and life-affirming way.
Now, of course, there is a little bit of monotony to the film. There are times when the repetitious nature of the narrative can get a little frustrating. But, in retrospect, that’s exactly the point. It’s clearly by design and is balanced well with some larger set pieces throughout. Plus, watching the film in a theater, with other people who are sharing the experience, the whole thing starts to feel more like a live performance than a movie. Kawamaura has so beautifully simplified the characters and goals that we feel like we’re living in the story itself. It’s a collective ride that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Exit 8‘s interactive nature won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy mysteries, games, and wonderful twists and turns, we highly recommend it. It’s in theaters April 10.
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