Scott Derrickson is developing another horror movie based on a popular video game. The project will bring a critically acclaimed psychological horror story to the big screen, with a filmmaker known for unsettling genre films attached as a producer.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems has acquired the film rights to Mouthwashing. Karyn Kusama will direct the adaptation, with Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay writing the screenplay. Derrickson will produce alongside C. Robert Cargill and Vince Cheng through their Crooked Highway banner. The announcement came on October 29, 2026, but the production has yet to reveal a release date.
Derrickson brings considerable horror experience to the project. His directing credits include Sinister and The Black Phone. Kusama, meanwhile, directed Jennifer’s Body and has worked on the television series Yellowjackets. Manfredi and Hay previously collaborated on the screenplay for The Invitation.
Sony turns to another video game for its next horror movie
Created by Wrong Organ and published by Critical Reflex, Mouthwashing first arrived on PC in 2024. It received critical acclaim for its disturbing atmosphere and narrative. Its story explores guilt, isolation, and the psychological effects of facing desperate situations.
The game follows five crew members aboard the Pony Express space freighter Tulpar. After the ship goes off course, they become stranded with limited supplies. As food runs low, the crew struggles with isolation, fear, and hallucinations. They must fight to survive as their mental health worsens.
The film’s plot details remain under wraps. It is unclear whether the adaptation will follow the game’s story closely or introduce new elements for the big screen.
Mouthwashing earned a score of 88 on Metacritic and overwhelmingly positive user reviews on Steam. It also won Best Narrative and Players’ Choice at the Horror Game Awards, along with Best Hidden Gem at the New York Game Awards. The game has sold nearly one million copies on PC and attracted millions of views across YouTube and TikTok.
The game is now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, with additional availability through Xbox on PC and Game Pass. The film has yet to receive a release date or casting announcements.
