Karyn Kusama to Direct 'Mouthwashing': Indie Horror Game Heads to Big Screen

In a move that promises to thrill both gamers and moviegoers alike, renowned director Karyn Kusama has been confirmed to take the helm for the upcoming live-action film adaptation of the hit indie horror game 'Mouthwashing'. This exciting development marks a significant step forward for the project, which has already garnered widespread acclaim since its release on PC in 2024.

The game, developed by the Swedish studio Wrong Organ and published by Critical Reflex, has captured the hearts and minds of players with its unique blend of surreal imagery and a nonlinear narrative. It tells the story of five crew members stranded on a space freighter named Tulpar, creating a rich tapestry of psychological horror that has resonated deeply with audiences. 'Mouthwashing' has achieved remarkable success, selling nearly 1 million units on PC and racking up impressive view counts on social media platforms, with over 63 million views on YouTube and almost 1 billion views on TikTok.

Sony Pictures has secured the feature film rights to bring 'Mouthwashing' to life on the big screen, setting the stage for a cinematic experience that will captivate fans of the game and newcomers alike. The screenplay for the movie is reportedly being adapted by the writing duo of Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay, who have a proven track record of crafting compelling narratives. Additionally, Scott Derrickson is set to produce the film, adding another layer of star power to the project.

The game's success extends beyond just sales and views; it has also earned several prestigious accolades, including Best Narrative and Players' Choice at the Horror Game Awards. IGN even awarded the game a score of 9 out of 10, further cementing its status as a standout title in the indie gaming scene. With these achievements under its belt, 'Mouthwashing' is poised to make a splash in the world of cinema as well.

As the project moves forward, it will be fascinating to see how the unique elements of the game translate to the live-action format. The surreal and nonlinear nature of the narrative presents both challenges and opportunities for the filmmakers, promising a visually stunning and emotionally engaging adaptation that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

What We Know

• Karyn Kusama is directing the film adaptation of 'Mouthwashing'. ¹²³⁴
• The game 'Mouthwashing' is developed by Wrong Organ and published by Critical Reflex. ¹²³⁴
• Sony Pictures acquired the feature film rights to 'Mouthwashing'. ¹²³
• Scott Derrickson is producing the movie version of 'Mouthwashing'. ²³⁴
• 'Mouthwashing' was released on PC in 2024 and received an 88 score on Metacritic. ¹²
• 'Mouthwashing' won several awards including Best Narrative and Players' Choice at the Horror Game Awards. ¹²
• Content related to 'Mouthwashing' has gained over 63 million views on YouTube and almost 1 billion views on TikTok. ¹²
• 'Mouthwashing' is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. ¹²
• 'Mouthwashing' sold nearly 1 million units on PC. ¹²
• Screenwriters Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay are adapting the game into a screenplay. ¹³
• 'Mouthwashing' involves five crew members stranded on a space freighter named Tulpar. ¹⁴
• 'Mouthwashing' is a psychological horror game featuring surreal imagery and a nonlinear narrative. ²
• 'Mouthwashing' was first released on PC in 2024 and came out on consoles on October 29, 2026. ⁴
• Wrong Organ is an independent game studio located in Stockholm, Sweden. ¹
• C. Robert Cargill and Vince Cheng are associated with Crooked Highway and have a deal with Sony's Screen Gems. ¹
• IGN gave the game a score of 9 out of 10. ⁴
• Characters in the game were inspired by real-life actors such as Shelley Duvall. ⁴