Video game adaptations are notoriously difficult to pull off. In fact, some of the worst films of the 2020s are adaptations gone terribly wrong. So when Exit 8, a beloved indie game that I myself have poured hours into, was announced, it was met with cautious apprehension. In the hands of Genki Kawamura, however, while by no means perfect, Exit 8 may well go down as one of the strongest video game adaptations to date.

The film follows an almost like-for-like premise from the game. The Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya) is trapped in a seemingly endless subway station in search of Exit 8. The only way to escape is to progress from Level 0 to Level 8 by spotting any anomalies present on each level, no matter how big or small. Miss even one and he is sent straight back to the beginning. It is enough to drive even the most stable person to the brink, all while there is a creeping sense that something far darker may be lurking within the white tiled walkways.

Unlike the game, which has often been described as a walking simulator, the film leans far more into character. For large stretches, this is a welcome addition, as we begin to understand the Lost Man, his strained relationship, and his current emotional state. It just about gives enough to become invested in his journey. The audience is also given insight into the backstory of the iconic Walking Man (Yamato Kochi) and how he became trapped in this endless loop, another worthwhile expansion.

That added focus is not without its drawbacks. The inclusion of The Boy (Naru Asanuma) is clearly intended to deepen the emotional core, but it ultimately feels unnecessary. Rather than enriching the story, it comes across as a way to stretch the runtime to the ninety minute mark, disrupting the momentum of the final act just as the tension begins to build.

Exit 8 has been labelled a horror, but those expecting traditional jump scares may be left disappointed. Instead, the horror is rooted in the unknown. Each level offers something different. Sometimes there is nothing at all, other times it may be blood seeping from the ceiling. The film handles this concept remarkably well, steadily building an unsettling tension and maintaining a strong pace that keeps you on edge for most of its runtime.

Visually, Exit 8 is impeccable. Anyone who has played the game will feel as though they have stepped straight into it, particularly in the opening ten minutes where events unfold from a first person perspective. Even more impressive is the camera work throughout, which allows the audience to effectively play along and spot anomalies themselves. That said, this does come at a cost. When you notice something the characters do not, it can become frustrating.

It was always going to be a challenge to adapt such a simple concept into a feature length film, but with a solid script and emotional beats that largely land, Kawamura has succeeded in transforming the indie hit into a captivating experience. It is one that should satisfy fans of the game as well as general audiences. Well worth the trip to the cinema.