Exit 8 Review: A Creepy Liminal Horror Movie That Keeps Going in Circles
The world of horror cinema is ever-evolving, and one of the most intriguing subgenres to emerge in recent years is liminal space horror. This genre, characterized by its sparse, often abandoned settings and a sense of both nostalgia and dread, has been gaining traction, thanks in part to the buzz surrounding the upcoming film "Backrooms" and the podcast-turned-movie "Undertone". Now, we have "Exit 8", a Japanese horror film directed by Genki Kawamura, which takes the concept of liminal horror and runs with it, albeit with some mixed results.
A Looping Nightmare
"Exit 8" follows the story of The Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya), a nameless character who finds himself trapped in a seemingly endless loop within a subway station. The film opens with a gripping, first-person perspective sequence, reminiscent of the intense action sequences in "Hardcore Henry" and the underappreciated "Nickel Boys". As The Lost Man, we witness his initial encounter with a rude passenger on a subway train, a moment that sets the tone for the impending dread. Upon receiving a phone call from his girlfriend, The Lost Man learns she's pregnant, a revelation that adds a layer of complexity to his already unsettling situation.
The core premise of "Exit 8" is simple yet unnerving: The Lost Man must navigate a series of tasks within the subway station, encountering various anomalies along the way. If he spots something off-kilter, he must immediately turn around and start over, with the promise of eventual escape through Exit 8. This rule, displayed on a sign, adds a sense of structure to the chaos, but it also underscores the repetitive nature of the film's central conflict.
Video Game Parallels
The film's reliance on a step-by-step process and the consequences of failure is reminiscent of video games, a medium that often mirrors real-life decision-making. The Lost Man's journey feels like a digital adventure, where one wrong move can lead to a reset. However, this video game analogy becomes a double-edged sword. While it adds an engaging layer of interactivity, the film's feature-length format stretches the concept of repetition, making it feel monotonous at times.
Cinematography and Atmosphere
Keisuke Imamura's cinematography plays a crucial role in building the film's eerie atmosphere. The sterile, quiet corridors of the subway station evoke a sense of isolation and claustrophobia, enhancing the overall feeling of being trapped. The use of lighting and shadows adds to the unsettling vibe, with bursts of horror elements like moving images on posters, unseen cries of babies, and vermin further intensifying the tension.
Repetition and Metaphor
One of the film's strengths is its exploration of The Lost Man's fears of fatherhood, which are metaphorically intertwined with his repetitive journey. The film suggests that people often find themselves trapped in self-destructive loops, unable to break free from their habits. However, this metaphor becomes a double-edged sword as well. While it adds depth to the narrative, the on-the-nose symbolism can feel heavy-handed, and The Lost Man's reluctance to restart his journey can be frustrating.
Final Thoughts
"Exit 8" is a visually striking and atmospherically rich film, but its repetitive nature may test the patience of viewers. Liminal space horror enthusiasts will likely appreciate the film's moody aesthetic and the sense of dread it evokes. However, the film's reliance on repetition and the metaphorical exploration of fatherhood fears might not be enough to sustain a feature-length narrative. Ultimately, the enjoyment of "Exit 8" depends on one's tolerance for monotony and the film's ability to keep viewers engaged despite its looping structure.
In my opinion, the film's strength lies in its ability to create a compelling atmosphere, but the repetitive nature of the story may leave some viewers wanting more. The film's rating of 5.5 out of 10 reflects the mixed feelings it evokes, and it's a testament to the challenge of balancing atmospheric horror with a compelling narrative.
