Notoriously difficult to adapt, Hollywood has tried for years to successfully transfer video games to the big screen. Whether it’s Justin Kurzel’s dark “Assassin’s Creed,” or one of Uwe Boll’s several forgettable attempts at the genre, there’s never been a film that truly does its video game counterpart justice. Based on Kotake Create’s 2023 video game of the same name, Exit 8 isn’t perfect, but its premise is surprisingly effective.
Kazunari Ninomiya stars as the Lost Man, who gets off a crowded subway and starts making his way toward the exit. The corridors don’t lead him anywhere, leaving him to go around in circles. As in the video game, he must identify every irregularity to get out.
While taking in his surroundings, the Lost Man continuously encounters Walking Man (Yamato Kochi), and the Boy (Naru Asanuma). Who they are and how they got there is part of the mystery. As the story progresses, the Boy’s relationship to the Lost Man becomes progressively clear. In the process, the Lost Man can not only examine his past but have a chance to alter his future for the better.
No matter what choices the Lost Man makes, he must follow the rules of the video game. Each exit represents a level. If he correctly identifies the anomaly, he advances to the next level. If he doesn’t, he goes back to level zero and must start over. It’s painful watching the Lost Man as he must do the same thing repeatedly until he gets it right.
Exit 8 takes place in exceedingly small spaces, giving everything a claustrophobic atmosphere. Undoubtedly, some digital trickery was used to make it appear the Lost Man is trapped in an endless loop. However, it was done, it’s effective. By the end of the film, I felt as if I’d been trapped in there too.
The performances are uniformly strong and appropriately reserved. Expressions are limited to the smallest of gestures. Much of the story is told through observation rather than dialogue. As the Lost Man, Kazunari Ninomiya is particularly absorbing, conveying his increasing sense of disorientation and desperation through subtle facial changes and tense, restrained physicality. Director Genki Kawamura wisely leans into subtlety rather than falling victim to the constant noise that has afflicted other video game film iterations.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the 1080p transfer is a solid one. Strong details are apparent throughout the viewing experience. Taking place mostly in small hallways, the claustrophobic atmosphere is accentuated with an excellent sense of depth and clarity. A brief scene outdoors has a nice sense of dimensionality. Skin colors look natural throughout. colors are appropriately vivid, be it the white tiled walls or the yellow signage. The image is clean, free of any scratches, dust or any other anomalies.
The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track sounds great, offering balanced clarity throughout. The use of Maurice Ravel’s classical piece “Boléro” comes through clear and concise, filling the soundstage. Sound effects are active, filling surrounds when appropriate. Though limited, dialogue is clean and concise throughout.
English, English SDH, and French subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- The Making of ‘Exit 8 (HD, 59:14) An extensive look at the making of the film, offering interviews with several cast and crew. The behind-the-scenes footage is fascinating, offering a look at the set design, and the creation of a maze-like structure inside a Japanese warehouse.
- Q&A at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival (HD, 12:07) Director Genki Kawamura and actors Kazunari Ninomiya and Yamato Kochi discuss the making of Exit 8.
- Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:01)
