Sony Pictures is adapting the indie horror game Mouthwashing for the big screen, having secured the film rights from developer Wrong Organ. Karyn Kusama, acclaimed director of Jennifer’s Body and The Invitation, will helm the project. Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay are attached to pen the script, while Scott Derrickson—known for directing The Black Phone and Sinister—will serve as producer.
While the film’s official plot details remain under wraps, it is anticipated to mirror the narrative of its source material. The story centers on five crew members stranded aboard a space freighter called the Tulpar. With dwindling supplies and little hope of rescue, mounting fear, guilt, and deteriorating mental states drive escalating tensions aboard the vessel.
Released on PC in 2024, the game drew a following for its grim storyline and unsettling imagery. Sony has not yet announced a cast, filming schedule, or release date, though the studio appears hopeful to replicate the cinematic success it found with the Resident Evil franchise.
Because the horror in Mouthwashing is more grounded than that of the Resident Evil series, its bizarre visuals and bleak atmosphere are expected to heighten the suspense. If skillfully balanced, these components will allow the film to frighten audiences without relying exclusively on jump scares.
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Can the Movie Keep the Game’s Dark Feel?
Rather than laying out its plot chronologically, Mouthwashing shifts back and forth between past and present to unravel the ship’s events. This non-linear approach keeps players guessing and provides context for the crew’s decisions. The upcoming film could adopt a comparable framework to cultivate suspense, aided by Kusama’s background in horror, which positions her well to capture the game’s oppressive tone.
With a capable horror creative team and a narrative suited for the medium, the Mouthwashing adaptation has a solid foundation. Its isolated environment and fractured characters provide ample opportunity for dread and tension. Ultimately, the film’s success will depend on whether it can successfully preserve the bizarre and disturbing atmosphere that defined the original game.
