A new psychological thriller inspired by a popular video game has officially announced its release date and unveiled a mysterious poster. The film, which boasts an impressive 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, is scheduled to premiere in theaters this spring. Neon has set the nationwide release for Exit 8, a Japanese thriller, for April 10, 2026. Neon shared the release date on its official X account on February 5, 2026, and announced that the trailer will be released the following day, February 6, along with a new poster.
Directed by Genki Kawamura, Exit 8 stars Kazunari Ninomiya, Yamato Kôchi, Naru Asanuma, Kotone Hanase, and Nana Komatsu. The story is based on the popular video game created by Kotake Create and centers on a man trapped in an endless, sterile subway corridor. He must adhere to strict rules: “Do not overlook anything out of the ordinary. If you discover an anomaly, turn back immediately. If you don’t, carry on. Then leave from Exit 8” (via Deadline). Any mistake causes him to reset his progress. The screenplay was written by Kawamura and Kentaro Hirase.
The film premiered in the Midnight section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received an enthusiastic 8-minute standing ovation. It has also been showcased at Toronto, Sitges, Beyond Fest, Busan, and the International Film Festival Rotterdam. In Japan, Exit 8 has grossed over $27 million. Critics highly praise the film, reflected in its 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Kawamura, known for producing Your Name, Mirai, Belle, and Monster, made his directorial debut with A Hundred Flowers (2022), which won Best Director at the 70th San Sebastián International Film Festival. He also authored If Cats Disappeared From The World, a best-seller sold in over 32 countries with more than 2 million copies sold.
Producers Yuto Sakata, Kenji Yamada, Akito Yamamoto, and Taichi Ito are behind the project. Alongside Exit 8, other films opening wide on April 10 include In the Grey from Black Bear and Guy Ritchie, Universal’s You, Me & Tuscany, and a release from Shudder Films.
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