Sony Adapting Indie Horror Game Mouthwashing Into Film
Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired the rights to develop a film adaptation of the viral indie horror title Mouthwashing, bringing together a notable lineup of genre filmmaking talent.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Sony Pictures Secures Rights to Mouthwashing
Sony Pictures Entertainment is expanding its portfolio of video game adaptations by bringing the viral indie horror title Mouthwashing to the silver screen, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mouthwashing-game-adaptation-karyn-kusama-1236742948/">according to The Hollywood Reporter</a>. The studio has successfully acquired the adaptation rights to the game from developer Wrong Organ.
To bring the psychological horror experience to theaters, Sony has assembled a seasoned roster of genre creators. Karyn Kusama, recognized for directing Jennifer's Body and The Invitation, is attached to helm the upcoming project.
Creative Team and Production Lineup
The creative vision for the script will be handled by screenwriters Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay, who previously collaborated with Kusama on The Invitation. In addition to the writing duo, Scott Derrickson, known for his work directing The Black Phone and Sinister, is attached to produce the feature.
With this production team in place, industry observers note that Sony is likely hoping the combination of experienced horror talent and hit video game intellectual property will repeat the success it saw with Resident Evil. Zach Cregger's adaptation of Capcom's survival horror series proved to be <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2262746/the-new-resident-evil-movie-captures-the-survival-horror-magic-of-the-games/">a critical hit</a> upon its release.
Beyond critical reception, the project also delivered as <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/09/box-office-resident-evil-1237107316/">a financial success</a> for the studio at the box office, establishing a strong commercial precedent for future gaming-to-film projects under the Sony banner.
Exploring the World of Mouthwashing
While sharing space in the horror genre, the source material operates differently from Capcom's survival franchise. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/dang-2024-was-a-great-year-for-horror-game-fans-160009640.html">Mouthwashing</a> offers a narrative that is considerably more grounded than the goofier flavor of horror found in Resident Evil.
The indie title centers on the crew of a stranded spaceship as they gradually lose their grip on reality. Rather than relying heavily on traditional jump scares, the game derives its tension from heavy thematic elements and surreal imagery, presenting a distinct artistic challenge and opportunity for a cinematic adaptation.
Current Game Availability and Future Outlook
As of right now, the film adaptation does not have an officially announced release date. However, fans interested in experiencing the narrative before the movie hits theaters have broader options than when the title first debuted.
After originally launching on PC back in 2024, the game expanded its reach. <a href="https://x.com/critical_reflex/status/2115807138736230718?a=QoLBZX7mFybPIJPV60k&s=20">and as of today</a>, it is also readily available to play on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and via Xbox Game Pass.
Sources
- EngadgetSony is working on a film adaptation of viral indie horror game Mouthwashing
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