With the midterm elections behind us, you might think the political chaos is over—but for the characters in The Exit State, the nightmare is just beginning. This new dystopian political thriller, now available digitally, plunges viewers into a near-future America where authoritarian rule has forced dissidents, journalists, and free-thinkers to flee for their lives. We've got an exclusive first look at a tense clip from the film.
Set in a United States under oppressive governance, The Exit State follows a group of refugees who find shelter in what seems like a safe house near the Mexican border. At first, the serene retreat offers a false sense of peace, allowing them to forget the collapse of democracy. But the sanctuary quickly turns into a trap, and the group must fight to survive as tyranny closes in.
The clip we're debuting features two residents, Andrew and Claire, played by Clayton Farris and Callie Schuttera—a mini-reunion for fans of last summer's horror hit Weapons. During a nighttime hike, Andrew, a former philanthropist who never cared much for politics until the government seized his assets, now calls himself an "agitator." But Claire isn't buying his revolutionary act, calling out his hypocrisy for staying apolitical until it personally affected him. It's a sharp, character-driven moment that hints at the film's deeper themes.
Directed by Gabriela Ledesma (The Last Conception), who co-wrote the script with Schuttera and Josh George (Danger Force), The Exit State boasts a talented ensemble cast. Alongside Farris and Schuttera, the film stars Nikki Dixon (Queen of the South), Jeremy D. Howard (MadTV), Cindy Nguyen (Shrinking), Stakiah Lynn Washington (Primo), and Emmy nominee Sharon Lawrence (NYPD Blue). It's a production of Poison Pictures.
If you're a fan of political thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this one is worth checking out. For more recommendations, you might also enjoy our list of classic action thrillers that keep you hooked or dive into our review of Black Doves Season 2, a bigger, bolder spy thriller. And if you're in the mood for something gritty, Ridley Scott's Dope Thief is a crime thriller worth binge-watching.
The Exit State is now available digitally via Chroma. Watch the exclusive clip above and prepare for a chilling ride.
