Exit 8 (8-ban deguchi)

From the opening strains of Ravel’s Bolero to its reprise at the end of the film, Exit 8 requires concentration. But it’s developed in such a way by the director and writer that while challenging is not a chore.

The premise is simple enough with ‘The lost Man’ (Kazunari Ninomiya) on his way to work when he receives a call on the Tokyo underground from his ex with some unexpected news. Knocked for six he says he’ll meet up with her.

Leaving the carriage, he makes his way the exit only to find himself lost. But there’s a sign telling him to go to Exit 8. There are instructions that can’t be deviated from. Mainly if he encounters an anomaly turn back, if not go on. It takes a while to work out, only for other elements to be introduced, are they anomalies? Some aren’t that clear until he reaches the sign that has gone back to 0.

A walking man (Yamato Kochi), a boy (Naru Asanuma), and a student (Kotone Hanase). Each of these people get their time in the film and how they interact with each other.

There is a necessarily high repetition factor here though it doesn’t drag the film because of the other people introduced. These take the film forward and in the case of the ‘The Lost Man’ develop him a little.

Exit 8 is based on a PC game by Kotake Create and adapted for film by Genki Kawamura, who co-wrote it with Kentaro Hirase. As such it carries many game tropes over such as the protagonist’s POV, which thankfully is not overused.

The film however is clinical in execution with everything in place for the viewer to work out and puzzle along with the actors. Everything appears to have a meaning from the posters to the doors to the drone/feedback that periodically pierces the soundtrack.

At times it recalled Cube (1997) with the protagonists having to work out the maths to move forward and/or stay alive. However Exit 8 is for the most part a solitary task and doesn’t have the overt cruelty or political undertones of Cube. It is certainly cruel and for one it’s too much and appears to have given themself up to the endless loop.

What it is about is open to question though the number 8, Escher’s Mobius Strip II and Bolero’s 4/4 tempo suggest an endless routine. An intriguing and strangely enjoyable film.

Exit 8 will be in UK and Irish cinemas 24 April 2026.