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'Exit 8' is an Exceptional Liminal Thriller and the Best Video Game Adaptation Ever Made [Cannes 2025 Review]

Business Mayor

24-05-2025

Entertainment
Business Mayor

'Exit 8' is an Exceptional Liminal Thriller and the Best Video Game Adaptation Ever Made [Cannes 2025 Review]

I've long been fascinated by what I call No Exit Horror , a term I've coined for a sub-genre rooted in existential dread, where characters are trapped in singular, oppressive spaces they cannot escape. Think of such liminal space thrillers as Cube , Dead End , Pontypool , or even The Shining . I took the name from French writer/philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, of course, and like his play No Exit , these films trap their characters not just in rooms but in loops of self-denial, regret, or moral indecision. Genki Kawamura's masterful Exit 8 , which just had its eerie and unforgettable premiere in the Cannes Midnight Screenings section, uses this trope so effectively that it might just be the most exceptional video game adaptation ever made. Adapted from a cult Japanese video game, Exit 8 follows 'The Lost Man,' played with raw and adorable restraint by Kazunari Ninomiya ( Letters from Iwo Jima , Gantz ). On a tedious underground commute home from his desk job, he quickly finds himself trapped in an endless underground subway corridor, forced to detect subtle anomalies, glitches in reality, that signal whether it's safe to proceed to the next exit, aka level. He loops back to the beginning if he misses something out of place. It's the perfect metaphor for the paralysis of modern professional life, trapped in the endless maze designed by the evils of capitalism: the hallway, sterile and endless, is less a location than a state of mind. He is, quite literally, going nowhere. And I'm sure most of us can find it relatable on some level . Exit 8 is more than just a stylish horror experiment or the astute staging of a unique and inexpensive IP. It's a tragic and intimate character study following a broken hero's journey where the monster isn't lurking around a corner. The Lost Man is on his way home from a job he clearly loathes. He's exhausted, emotionally disconnected, and stuck in the passive inertia of a life he never truly chose. And then, suddenly, fatherhood looms. Read More BioWare restructures around Mass Effect The great twist of Exit 8 is that its horror and drama are mostly emotional, not supernatural or sci-fi. Kawamura has crafted a film about the terror of becoming a parent before you're ready. About accepting love when you're not sure you're worthy. The anomaly in this man's life isn't a shadowy figure or an off-kilter passageway. Instead, it's the terrifying prospect of loving someone more than yourself. And being loved in return. The hallway becomes purgatory for a man who can't admit he's scared—scared of responsibility, commitment, and growing up. Ninomiya's performance is essential here. It's not flashy, but it's deep. He expertly plays emotional numbness, with shoulders sloped under decades of unspoken guilt and generational/gender expectation. There's a quiet beauty in how little he says and how much he shows. When change finally comes, it's not triumphant. It's terrifying. And it's earned. As The Lost Man repeats the corridor again and again, each loop becomes a step along a fractured, nonlinear path toward emotional accountability. He isn't trying to escape. He's trying to accept. He's trying to become someone capable of being loved, and of loving in return. And that might be the scariest journey a horror movie has ever asked of a man. And he's not alone. The eerie and quick introduction of 'The Walking Man' is frightening, then tragic. A perfect side quest during an already pristine mainline story. The atmosphere in Exit 8 draws on a similar liminal energy felt in brilliant liminal horror projects like P.T. and The Backrooms, but where those stories revel in abstract terror, Kawamura's film weaponises drama and character study with a teaspoon of hope. Ultimately, there isn't a clear resolution. But it does provide reflection. It asks what happens to those of us who live on autopilot. Those who accept careers we hate, relationships we don't nurture, and the futures we never chose. It's about how modern men inherit silence and mistake it for strength. And how love … real, scary, adult love … demands presence and vulnerability. It demands that you exit the loop. With Exit 8 , Genki Kawamura has crafted a haunting cautionary tale for the emotionally paralysed. It's a masterpiece of 'No Exit Horror': intimate, tragic, and impressively human. Forget boss battles, this is a video game adaptation where the final level is fatherhood, and like the process of being born, the only way out is through. Summary Genki Kawamura's masterful 'Exit 8' expertly draws on a liminal horror, character study, and realist drama to craft the best video game adaptation of all time. Tags: Cannes 2025 Exit 8 Featured Post Genki Kawamura Categorized:News Reviews

Idea of creating Palestinian state 'disconnected from reality', says Gantz

Roya News

06-05-2025

Politics
Roya News

Idea of creating Palestinian state 'disconnected from reality', says Gantz

National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz on Tuesday dismissed the idea of establishing a Palestinian state, calling it 'disconnected from reality' during remarks at the Makor Rishon Settlement Conference held in the West Bank settlement of Ofra, The Jerusalem Post reported. Gantz, a former 'Israeli' defense minister and former Israeli Occupation Forces chief of staff, reiterated his firm opposition to territorial concessions, emphasizing that 'Israel' 'cannot allow a direct and significant threat to its citizens on any border.' 'Anyone talking about a Palestinian state or withdrawals is simply disconnected from the security reality,' he said, insisting that 'Israel' must retain full security control and operational freedom in Gaza, the West Bank, southern Lebanon, and along the Syrian border. Reflecting on the 2005 Gaza Disengagement Plan, Gantz said one of 'Israel's' major mistakes was withdrawing from the northern Gaza communities of Dugit, Nisanit, and Elei Sinai. Maintaining a presence there, he argued, would have helped 'control the territory' and send a clear message that the pre-1967 lines 'are not relevant.' He warned against any efforts to rebuild settlements in Gaza, saying such a move would be a 'security mistake' that could deepen internal divisions at a time when national unity is crucial. Turning to regional threats, Gantz urged military preparedness against Iran's nuclear program. 'We must be prepared to act,' he said, emphasizing the importance of coordinated diplomatic, military, and economic pressure to prevent Iran from reaching the nuclear threshold. Gantz also criticized the previous 'change government,' in which he served, calling it politically ineffective. He specifically pointed to its failure to pass legislation requiring military or national service for ultra-Orthodox and Arab citizens.

Jordan News

17-04-2025

Politics
Jordan News

Gantz: It's Time to Change the Middle East - Jordan News

Gantz: It's Time to Change the Middle East Israeli opposition leader and head of the National Unity Party, Benny Gantz, stated that the time has come to change the Middle East in coordination with what he called "our great ally," the United States. His remarks followed a news report confirming that Israel had planned to strike Iranian nuclear sites next month, but former U.S. President Donald Trump intervened to stop the operation. اضافة اعلان In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Gantz described the Iranian regime as "an expert in buying time and procrastination," asserting that Israel is capable of attacking Iran and has the ability to do so. He added that Israel and the United States must rally their strength to bring about change in the Middle East. Israeli Plan Revealed The New York Times reported, citing officials and informed sources, that Israel was preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites in May, but Trump prevented the move, opting instead to pursue a negotiated agreement with Tehran aimed at curbing its nuclear program. According to the American newspaper, Israeli officials were optimistic about securing approval from the White House and had drawn up attack plans for May. The paper also reported that Trump administration officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, argued—supported by others—that Trump had a unique opportunity to reach a deal with Iran. Vance stated that if negotiations failed, Trump might support an Israeli military strike on Tehran. The New York Times also quoted a well-informed source saying that U.S. intelligence chief John Ratcliffe met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea in Israel to discuss options for dealing with Iran, including covert operations with U.S. backing and the imposition of stricter sanctions. IAEA Warning Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned against attacking Iranian nuclear facilities. After meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran yesterday, Grossi stated: 'We have been very, very clear that attacks on nuclear facilities are unacceptable and only worsen the situation.' He pointed to the potential radioactive and environmental consequences of such strikes, as well as the risk of triggering a full-scale war. Diplomacy Not Ruled Out Although Trump favors negotiations and is working toward an agreement with Iran on its nuclear program, he has not ruled out military action if diplomatic efforts fail. The first round of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran was held last Saturday in Muscat, Oman, with a second round scheduled for next Saturday, where Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. president's envoy, are expected to meet again. — (Agencies)

Israel 'On The Brink Of Civil War' As Judicial Overhaul Bill Progresses

Gulf Insider

27-03-2025

Politics
Gulf Insider

Israel 'On The Brink Of Civil War' As Judicial Overhaul Bill Progresses

Several ultra-controversial issues have come to a head in Israel this week, sparking more huge protests outside the country's Knesset and in various locations. Israel's Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz is warning alongside former Israeli army Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that Israel is on the brink of civil war. The mounting crisis was sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. 'It's true that there are many security challenges from abroad, but Israel's security is at risk because of the internal division,' Gantz said at the start of the week. There are moves to also dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara by Netanyahu after a 'no confidence' vote by the cabinet. This has outraged opposition parties and much of the population. Alongside this, the deeply divisive judicial appointments bill will soon be voted on: National Unity chair Benny Gantz met earlier today with Justice Minister Yariv Levin in a last-ditch attempt to convince him to abandon a highly controversial piece of legislation that will greatly increase political control over the judicial appointments process. The meeting was held ahead of the final two readings in the Knesset plenum needed for the legislation's passage. During the meeting, Gantz told Levin that he would be making a 'mistake' by bringing the legislation for final votes, Channel 12 reports, while Ynet says he warned Levin that Israel is on 'the brink of a civil war.' Gantz is pleading for Netanyahu to halt the legislation from progressing. 'I'm appealing to you as someone who bears the responsibility of acting on behalf of all citizens of this country,' he wrote to in a letter to the prime minister. Thousands protest outside the Israeli Knesset ahead of a final voting on a law that would further politicize the selection of Supreme Court' judges — Guy Elster גיא אלסטר (@guyelster) March 26, 2025 'Our society is wounded and bleeding, divided in a way we have not seen since October 6 [2023],' Gantz said. 'Fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters are still captive in Gaza, and our soldiers, from all political factions, are fighting on multiple fronts.' As a reminder, Netanyahu and his allies say the plan will restore a balance between the judicial and executive branches and rein in what they see as an interventionist court with liberal sympathies. But critics say the constellation of laws will remove the checks and balances in Israel's democratic system and concentrate power in the hands of the governing coalition. Click here to read more Also read: Israeli Troops, Tanks Start New Ground Offensive In Gaza

Benny Gantz: Israel is one step away from civil war

Al Bawaba

26-03-2025

Politics
Al Bawaba

Benny Gantz: Israel is one step away from civil war

ALBAWABA- Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz has warned that Israel is 'one step away from civil war' as thousands of protesters take to the streets against judicial legislation and recent government actions. Also Read Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, not waging war: UN Expert According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Gantz, leader of the State Camp party, joined massive demonstrations in Jerusalem. Israeli media reported that protesters were rallying against the dismissal of the Shin Bet chief, the attorney general, and what they call a 'judicial coup.' Former War Cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot also participated in the protests. Meanwhile, Channel 12 reported that former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has been barred from entering army bases due to his previous statements accusing the military of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The ban also prevents him from delivering lectures at the army's Glilot base. The demonstrations have led to severe traffic disruptions in Jerusalem as public outrage mounts. Amid the internal turmoil, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding security consultations regarding the renewed Gaza war and stalled prisoner exchange negotiations. Israeli Broadcasting Authority sources indicate that Israel is considering taking stronger measures against Gaza in the coming days, though these steps will not involve expanding the ground operation. Also Read "Khartoum is Free": Al-Burhan declares victory Channel 12 reported that Israel may escalate military operations in Gaza within weeks, but officials acknowledge that the ongoing offensive has not yet shifted Hamas's stance. Meanwhile, the Israeli security establishment estimates that food, water, and fuel supplies in Gaza could run out within approximately two months. A protest against the Israeli government's decisions was started from Tel Aviv University. President of Tel Aviv University: In addition to calling for a university strike, we will also shut down all commercial establishments. Protests by the general public bolster the — Aprajita Nefes 🦋 Ancient Believer (@aprajitanefes) March 26, 2025