The first trailer for the Japanese thriller 'Exit 8' has been unveiled, offering a preview of the film adaptation of the popular video game. Directed by Genki Kawamura, the movie stars Kazunari Ninomiya as a man trapped in an endless subway corridor seeking Exit 8. It is set for nationwide theatrical release on April 10.
The trailer for 'Exit 8', released on Thursday, provides fans with an initial look at the cinematic take on Kotake Create's globally successful video game. In the film, directed by Genki Kawamura, protagonist Kazunari Ninomiya portrays a man confined in an infinite subway passageway. His objective is to locate Exit 8 by adhering to strict rules: observe for any anomalies and turn back immediately upon spotting one; otherwise, proceed forward. A single mistake resets the journey to the start, raising the question of whether escape is possible.
The official log line states: “The rules of his quest are simple: 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. But even a single oversight will send him back to the beginning.” It further asks, “Will he ever reach his goal and escape this infinite corridor?”
Joining Ninomiya are actors Yamato Kochi, Naru Asanuma, Kotone Hanase, and Nana Komatsu. Kawamura co-wrote the screenplay with Kentaro Hirase, while producers include Yuto Sakata, Kenji Yamada, Akita Yamamoto, and Taichi Ito.
'Exit 8' debuted in the midnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, earning positive reviews. Reflecting on the project in a September 2025 interview with Variety, Kawamura explained: “When I adapted this video game into a film, I didn’t set out thinking, ‘Let’s make this video game into a film.’” He added, “What I wanted to create is a unique cinematic experience that blurs the lines between video game and film.”
Kawamura's prior directorial efforts include his feature debut 'A Hundred Flowers' in 2022 and the short film 'Duality' in 2018.
