Endless Terror Awaits in Video Game Horror ‘Exit 8’

A haunting journey through an endless underground corridor arrives in cinemas this spring as Exit 8, the live-action adaptation of the internationally successful horror video game, prepares for its UK and Ireland theatrical release.

Distributed by Vertigo Releasing, the film will open in cinemas across the region on 24 April 2026 following an international festival run that began with its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Directed by Genki Kawamura, Exit 8 transforms the minimalist psychological tension of the original game into a cinematic experience centred on repetition, observation and unease. The story follows a man trapped within an immaculate yet unnerving subway passageway that appears to stretch on forever.

His task is deceptively simple. He must locate Exit 8 and escape the corridor. To do so he must carefully follow a set of strict rules. If he notices anything unusual, he must turn back immediately. If nothing appears out of place, he must continue walking forward. Any mistake or overlooked detail will send him back to the beginning of the corridor, forcing him to repeat the process once again.

As the man searches for a way out, the sterile environment begins to feel increasingly hostile. Subtle changes and strange occurrences raise questions about what is real and whether the corridor itself is manipulating the rules of his journey.

The film stars Kazunari Ninomiya, who previously appeared in Clint Eastwood’s Letters from Iwo Jima, marking his introduction to Hollywood audiences in 2006. Joining him is Nana Komatsu, recognised internationally for her role in Martin Scorsese’s Silence.

Kawamura brings a distinctive background to the project. In addition to directing, he is widely known as a producer behind several major Japanese films including Makoto Shinkai’s global hits Your Name and Suzume, as well as Mamoru Hosoda’s Mirai and Belle. His producing work also includes Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster, which received the Best Screenplay prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Exit 8 represents Kawamura’s second feature as writer and director following A Hundred Flowers, which earned him the Silver Shell for Best Director at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Since debuting at Cannes, Exit 8 has screened at a number of major international festivals including Toronto, Busan and Sitges. The film has also performed strongly in Japan, where it recorded box office revenue of five billion yen.

Inspired by the original game created by Kotake Create, the adaptation expands its central concept into a feature-length psychological thriller while preserving the unsettling premise that made the game a global sensation.

Following its international festival appearances, Exit 8 will now reach cinema audiences in the UK and Ireland when it opens in theatres on 24 April 2026.

Exit 8 trailer