Big and small screen adaptations of video games have been improving over the years; we're certainly a long way from Doom (2005). The game Exit 8, which came out in 2023, inspired by the Finnish game I'm On Observation Duty, explored liminal spaces and the surreal atmosphere that they offer, a perfect setting for a potentially unhinged game. Exit 8, the film directed by Genki Kawamura, explores this idea while using a very human character to bring us into this space.

A man (Kazunari Ninomiya), on his way to a temp job, becomes lost in an endless subway passage. In order to find his way to Exit 8, he must pass levels by finding anomalies. If he finds an anomaly, he must turn back, but if there isn't one, he must continue forward. Fail to notice an anomaly or make a mistake and you have to start all over again.

With a setting that could be rather dull, with only a few characters on screen, Exit 8 is cleverly split into three segments, each connected and offering a slightly different viewpoint and insight as to what this endless subway passage is. With only a few characters on screen, there is very little space to discuss the greater meaning behind the empty space. As an audience we can draw our own conclusions as we watch The Lost Man make his way through the passage, deducting that he has life changing decision to make and is, in some way, cathartically working out what he should do as well as trying to escape this seemingly never-ending hell.

Exit 8 begins slow, taking quite a few times walking through the space before our protagonist works out what the rules are and what he has to do. But as we move through to the next two segments, the film, thankfully picks up pace. There are thrilling moments, mixed with one or two jump scares but the horror is all within the mind. The idea of being stuck in a loop, the sense that it is hopeless, is quite stressful and feel what the Lost Man feels, there is a thrill, every time he progresses and a sense of dread each time he fails.

However, this seemingly endless loop may not appeal to all. At just over 90 minutes, the repetitive nature of the film and the story may make it feel much longer. Those expecting a stereotypical Japanese horror will be frustrated (unless you know what to expect) and those looking for something more life affirming may be put off by the ‘horror' labelling. The only downfall of Exit 8 is that it isn't quite as exciting as you would hope for.

The psychological ‘horror' is so subtle – which is a merit of the film overall, proving that horror comes in various packages – Exit 8 should be commended for successfully adapting a video game and not alienating any potential audience. It really doesn't matter if you've played the game before or even know anything about it, this feels both fresh and familiar.

Exit 8 screened as part of the Cult strand at the BFI London Film Festival