If you've played Mouthwashing, you know it's not an easy sell. The game starts with a spaceship crew stranded after a crash, but quickly spirals into something far more disturbing as the story unravels. It's bleak, grotesque, and at times hard to stomach—which makes the idea of a movie adaptation both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking.
The right filmmaker could turn its five characters and claustrophobic setting into something truly unsettling. The tension hinges on what the crew is willing to admit about themselves and each other, and the story needs someone who can make a simple conversation feel as dangerous as anything lurking in the dark. Fortunately, the director taking this on has already proven she can do exactly that with The Invitation.
According to new reports, Sony Pictures has secured the film rights to Mouthwashing, with Karyn Kusama attached to direct. Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi—who teamed with Kusama on The Invitation and Destroyer—are writing the screenplay. Scott Derrickson, known for Sinister and The Black Phone, will produce alongside C. Robert Cargill and Vince Cheng through their Crooked Highway banner.
What Is 'Mouthwashing' About?
Developed by Wrong Organ and published by Critical Reflex, the game follows five crew members aboard the space freighter Tulpar after a devastating crash. With supplies running low and rescue uncertain, their relationships begin to deteriorate. The nonlinear narrative shifts between events before and after the disaster, gradually exposing the decisions that left everyone trapped together.
Going much further into the plot would spoil discoveries best experienced firsthand. The way information arrives is essential to Mouthwashing, forcing players to reconsider earlier conversations and their understanding of the crew. An adaptation will have to find its own rhythm for those revelations, particularly when viewers can no longer control how long they spend exploring the ship or sitting with an uncomfortable encounter.
Derrickson's involvement as producer is a strong signal for horror fans. His track record with elevated horror and his recent work on Vampire Carnival suggests he knows how to balance dread with character-driven storytelling. Kusama, meanwhile, has consistently delivered tense, psychological horror, making this pairing one to watch.
The announcement has already sparked excitement among fans of the game, who are curious to see how its unique narrative structure translates to the big screen. With a team this strong, the adaptation could become a standout in the growing trend of video game movies. For now, we'll be watching closely for casting news and production updates.
