‘Exit 8’ Is a Satisfying, Scary Twitch Stream Come to Life
Never has watching a movie felt like playing a video game quite as much as in the new film, Exit 8.Directed by Genki Kawamaura, the film is based on a game by Kotake Create in which the player navigates a subterranean loop, picking up on subtle changes, allowing them to exit. Here, that format is brought to life in a very clear, very simple way that encourages a level of engagement that feels unique and wholly rewarding.
We start with “the Lost Man,” played by Kazunari Ninomiya. He’s a seemingly normal guy who is having a seemingly normal morning until he gets some very big news. Before he can digest it, though, he finds himself stuck in an endless loop in an underground subway station. Eventually, he reads the rules of this space, revealing that you must keep moving forward unless you witness some type of anomaly. If you see one of those, turn around and continue.
And so the audience, like the character, instantly becomes involved. The Lost Man walks through the space, noting everything, committing it to memory, and you do the same. When there is something slightly different, you get excited for him if he notices or frustrated if he doesn’t. Much like watching someone else play a video game, you marvel at his skills as well as his mistakes.
That level of not just emotional but also physical investment is just not an emotion you often feel watching a movie. There’s a tension and level of participation that left me impressed and surprised. I thought I was going in to see this simple horror movie, but after about 10-15 minutes, I wanted to (but did not) scream at the screen or control the characters with a controller.
This works in large part due to the simple, beautiful design of the film. Kawamaura draws from the game in creating a very sparse, bright space, with distinct, easy-to-notice features: doors, posters, signs, etc. And as the film familiarizes you with them, you find yourself trying to get ahead of the movie itself, peeking around the corners, looking for those anomalies, which are the key to exiting. When the Lost Man makes a mistake, you’re both delighted to see what’s next and disappointed at the struggle. And, of course, many of those mistakes are either a result of, or result in, some really creepy, unsettling stuff happening.
What makes Exit 8 especially interesting, though, is that there is much more to it than that. While the film initially starts with the Lost Man, the narrative soon expands by following other characters we initially thought were just NPCs (non-player characters). Yamato Kochi plays the Walking Man, and Naru Asanuma is the Boy, both of whom play integral roles in expanding the narrative.
He’s right behind you. – Neon
Then, just to really put a bow on things, the biggest surprise in the whole film is what it’s actually about. Events you seemingly forgot about from early in the film are given fresh perspectives, wrapping Exit 8 up in a very satisfying, positive, and life-affirming way.
Now, of course, there is a little bit of monotony to the film. There are times when the repetitious nature of the narrative can get a little frustrating. But, in retrospect, that’s exactly the point. It’s clearly by design and is balanced well with some larger set pieces throughout. Plus, watching the film in a theater, with other people who are sharing the experience, the whole thing starts to feel more like a live performance than a movie. Kawamaura has so beautifully simplified the characters and goals that we feel like we’re living in the story itself. It’s a collective ride that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Exit 8‘s interactive nature won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy mysteries, games, and wonderful twists and turns, we highly recommend it. It’s in theaters April 10.
Never has watching a movie felt like playing a video game quite as much as in the new film, Exit 8. Directed by Genki Kawamaura, the film is based on a game by Kotake Create in which the player navigates a subterranean loop, picking up on subtle changes, allowing them to exit. Here, that format is brought to life in a very clear, very simple way that encourages a level of engagement that feels unique and wholly rewarding.
We start with “the Lost Man,” played by Kazunari Ninomiya. He’s a seemingly normal guy who is having a seemingly normal morning until he gets some very big news. Before he can digest it, though, he finds himself stuck in an endless loop in an underground subway station. Eventually, he reads the rules of this space, revealing that you must keep moving forward unless you witness some type of anomaly. If you see one of those, turn around and continue.
And so the audience, like the character, instantly becomes involved. The Lost Man walks through the space, noting everything, committing it to memory, and you do the same. When there is something slightly different, you get excited for him if he notices or frustrated if he doesn’t. Much like watching someone else play a video game, you marvel at his skills as well as his mistakes.
That level of not just emotional but also physical investment is just not an emotion you often feel watching a movie. There’s a tension and level of participation that left me impressed and surprised. I thought I was going in to see this simple horror movie, but after about 10-15 minutes, I wanted to (but did not) scream at the screen or control the characters with a controller.
This works in large part due to the simple, beautiful design of the film. Kawamaura draws from the game in creating a very sparse, bright space, with distinct, easy-to-notice features: doors, posters, signs, etc. And as the film familiarizes you with them, you find yourself trying to get ahead of the movie itself, peeking around the corners, looking for those anomalies, which are the key to exiting. When the Lost Man makes a mistake, you’re both delighted to see what’s next and disappointed at the struggle. And, of course, many of those mistakes are either a result of, or result in, some really creepy, unsettling stuff happening.
What makes Exit 8 especially interesting, though, is that there is much more to it than that. While the film initially starts with the Lost Man, the narrative soon expands by following other characters we initially thought were just NPCs (non-player characters). Yamato Kochi plays the Walking Man, and Naru Asanuma is the Boy, both of whom play integral roles in expanding the narrative.
He’s right behind you. – Neon
Then, just to really put a bow on things, the biggest surprise in the whole film is what it’s actually about. Events you seemingly forgot about from early in the film are given fresh perspectives, wrapping Exit 8 up in a very satisfying, positive, and life-affirming way.
Now, of course, there is a little bit of monotony to the film. There are times when the repetitious nature of the narrative can get a little frustrating. But, in retrospect, that’s exactly the point. It’s clearly by design and is balanced well with some larger set pieces throughout. Plus, watching the film in a theater, with other people who are sharing the experience, the whole thing starts to feel more like a live performance than a movie. Kawamaura has so beautifully simplified the characters and goals that we feel like we’re living in the story itself. It’s a collective ride that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Exit 8‘s interactive nature won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy mysteries, games, and wonderful twists and turns, we highly recommend it. It’s in theaters April 10.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Source link
#Exit #Satisfying #Scary #Twitch #Stream #Life
Prime Day officially kicks off next week, running from June 23-26. But you don’t need to wait until then if you’re looking for some serious discounts.
There are already plenty of deals live now, including this latest price drop on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. This deal doesn’t just include the portable power station unit, it also comes with two 200W solar panels. Altogether, this bundle is normally priced at $3,699, but right now it’s down to $2,148.99. That’s a saving of $1,550.01 on list price.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a high-capacity home backup power station designed to deliver 3,600W output (7,200W in parallel) with a 3,584Wh capacity. It’s also expandable up to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh with multiple units, so it’s capable of powering essential household appliances for long periods.
It’s built for both safety and durability, using high-temperature resistant ceramic membrane battery cells tested at 302°F, offering protection against thermal runaway and giving you up to 6,000 cycles with a 10-year lifespan, even in extreme conditions. You’re getting your money’s worth.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
It comes with four charging options: hybrid AC+DC fast charging in just two hours, AC in 2.5 hours, solar in four hours, and gas generator support. It’s flexible and reliable.
Prime Day officially kicks off next week, running from June 23-26. But you don’t need to wait until then if you’re looking for some serious discounts.
There are already plenty of deals live now, including this latest price drop on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. This deal doesn’t just include the portable power station unit, it also comes with two 200W solar panels. Altogether, this bundle is normally priced at $3,699, but right now it’s down to $2,148.99. That’s a saving of $1,550.01 on list price.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a high-capacity home backup power station designed to deliver 3,600W output (7,200W in parallel) with a 3,584Wh capacity. It’s also expandable up to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh with multiple units, so it’s capable of powering essential household appliances for long periods.
It’s built for both safety and durability, using high-temperature resistant ceramic membrane battery cells tested at 302°F, offering protection against thermal runaway and giving you up to 6,000 cycles with a 10-year lifespan, even in extreme conditions. You’re getting your money’s worth.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
It comes with four charging options: hybrid AC+DC fast charging in just two hours, AC in 2.5 hours, solar in four hours, and gas generator support. It’s flexible and reliable.
#Jackery #HomePower #hits #recordlow #price #Amazon #act #fast #save">Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus hits a record-low price at Amazon — act fast to save over $1,500
SAVE $1,500: As of June 18, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is on sale for $2,148.99 at Amazon. That’s a 42% discount on the list price.
$2,148.99 at Amazon $3,699 Save $1,550.01
Prime Day officially kicks off next week, running from June 23-26. But you don’t need to wait until then if you’re looking for some serious discounts.
There are already plenty of deals live now, including this latest price drop on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. This deal doesn’t just include the portable power station unit, it also comes with two 200W solar panels. Altogether, this bundle is normally priced at $3,699, but right now it’s down to $2,148.99. That’s a saving of $1,550.01 on list price.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a high-capacity home backup power station designed to deliver 3,600W output (7,200W in parallel) with a 3,584Wh capacity. It’s also expandable up to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh with multiple units, so it’s capable of powering essential household appliances for long periods.
It’s built for both safety and durability, using high-temperature resistant ceramic membrane battery cells tested at 302°F, offering protection against thermal runaway and giving you up to 6,000 cycles with a 10-year lifespan, even in extreme conditions. You’re getting your money’s worth.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
It comes with four charging options: hybrid AC+DC fast charging in just two hours, AC in 2.5 hours, solar in four hours, and gas generator support. It’s flexible and reliable.
He mentioned that one way he’d like to use it would be to see how his body changes in response to diet and workout changes, saying, “I’m not the most measured man on Earth yet, you know, but maybe I want to have that daily [measurable information]. A set of job listings advertises the company’s goal as trying to “build and launch the world’s first full-body ultrasound CT scanner, ultimately bringing safe, fast, and high fidelity preventative scanning to billions via a magical spa experience.”
The Midjourney Scanner was developed in a partnership with ultrasound tech company Butterfly Network, which said it uses “40 Butterfly Ultrasound-on-Chip™ imaging modules per system.”
The scanning process starts with stepping onto a platform that drops down into the water on rails through a ring of thousands of transducers that create ultrasonic waves and then record the ripples from them passing through your body to analyze them and create detailed 3D images, saying the scan will take about 60 seconds. Holz said about a dozen people have been scanned so far.
It starts by stepping into a shallow pool of golden light. You then begin to descend into the water. Your body passes through a ring of underwater sensors, each acting like a dolphin, using its echolocation. The sensors send ultrasonic sound waves through your body from every angle. With enough waves, and enough angles, we form an image of what’s happening inside your body.
It combines those sensors with two petaflops of processing power. But after watching the livestreamed reveal, I’m still unclear on what Midjourney’s AI image generation tech exactly has to do with the Midjourney Medical effort, beyond an alternative business for otherwise-unused AI compute.
Holz hopes to put 10 of the scanners into a Midjourney Spa location in San Francisco’s Union Square that will open before the end of 2027, and offered to scan the hands of attendees at its launch event. The Midjourney Spa will have a gym, saunas, and cold plunges to go along with the hot tub-equipped scanning rooms where visitors will get into the water to be scanned.
He did mention that various medical applications would require FDA clearances, but for now, Midjourney Medical says it’s working on “body composition maps” that don’t require the same level of clearance as diagnostic imaging. It also says the “library of scans” users create can be shared with doctors, AI health tools, or others, and that “We take data privacy seriously — more details on our data policies will come as we get closer to launch.”
Holz suggested that eventually these scans could become better than an MRI, without radiation, powerful magnets, or other complicating factors, to get a look at what’s going on inside people’s bodies “real fast.” In response to a question, he imagined a future where the FDA had a class of devices to look at “weird” things and allowed people to “just try to get as much data as we can.”
He mentioned that one way he’d like to use it would be to see how his body changes in response to diet and workout changes, saying, “I’m not the most measured man on Earth yet, you know, but maybe I want to have that daily [measurable information]. A set of job listings advertises the company’s goal as trying to “build and launch the world’s first full-body ultrasound CT scanner, ultimately bringing safe, fast, and high fidelity preventative scanning to billions via a magical spa experience.”
The Midjourney Scanner was developed in a partnership with ultrasound tech company Butterfly Network, which said it uses “40 Butterfly Ultrasound-on-Chip™ imaging modules per system.”
The scanning process starts with stepping onto a platform that drops down into the water on rails through a ring of thousands of transducers that create ultrasonic waves and then record the ripples from them passing through your body to analyze them and create detailed 3D images, saying the scan will take about 60 seconds. Holz said about a dozen people have been scanned so far.
It starts by stepping into a shallow pool of golden light. You then begin to descend into the water. Your body passes through a ring of underwater sensors, each acting like a dolphin, using its echolocation. The sensors send ultrasonic sound waves through your body from every angle. With enough waves, and enough angles, we form an image of what’s happening inside your body.
It combines those sensors with two petaflops of processing power. But after watching the livestreamed reveal, I’m still unclear on what Midjourney’s AI image generation tech exactly has to do with the Midjourney Medical effort, beyond an alternative business for otherwise-unused AI compute.
Holz hopes to put 10 of the scanners into a Midjourney Spa location in San Francisco’s Union Square that will open before the end of 2027, and offered to scan the hands of attendees at its launch event. The Midjourney Spa will have a gym, saunas, and cold plunges to go along with the hot tub-equipped scanning rooms where visitors will get into the water to be scanned.
He did mention that various medical applications would require FDA clearances, but for now, Midjourney Medical says it’s working on “body composition maps” that don’t require the same level of clearance as diagnostic imaging. It also says the “library of scans” users create can be shared with doctors, AI health tools, or others, and that “We take data privacy seriously — more details on our data policies will come as we get closer to launch.”
Holz suggested that eventually these scans could become better than an MRI, without radiation, powerful magnets, or other complicating factors, to get a look at what’s going on inside people’s bodies “real fast.” In response to a question, he imagined a future where the FDA had a class of devices to look at “weird” things and allowed people to “just try to get as much data as we can.”
#Midjourney #generating #cat #images #fullbody #ultrasound #scansAI,Health,News,Science">Midjourney goes from generating cat images to full-body ultrasound scans
Midjourney CEO David Holz just showed off the company’s first hardware product and plans to build a San Francisco spa, which he admitted is a bit different from the “cat pictures” produced by its AI image generator. Dubbed The Midjourney Scanner, it’s an ultrasound-based full-body scanner that uses a ring of sensors to capture vertical slices of the inside of your body, looking at the composition of your muscle, fat, bone, and organs to start. Holz said ideally, you could do this once a year or every single day, as it “aims for image quality comparable to MRI in many ways.”
He mentioned that one way he’d like to use it would be to see how his body changes in response to diet and workout changes, saying, “I’m not the most measured man on Earth yet, you know, but maybe I want to have that daily [measurable information]. A set of job listings advertises the company’s goal as trying to “build and launch the world’s first full-body ultrasound CT scanner, ultimately bringing safe, fast, and high fidelity preventative scanning to billions via a magical spa experience.”
The Midjourney Scanner was developed in a partnership with ultrasound tech company Butterfly Network, which said it uses “40 Butterfly Ultrasound-on-Chip™ imaging modules per system.”
The scanning process starts with stepping onto a platform that drops down into the water on rails through a ring of thousands of transducers that create ultrasonic waves and then record the ripples from them passing through your body to analyze them and create detailed 3D images, saying the scan will take about 60 seconds. Holz said about a dozen people have been scanned so far.
It starts by stepping into a shallow pool of golden light. You then begin to descend into the water. Your body passes through a ring of underwater sensors, each acting like a dolphin, using its echolocation. The sensors send ultrasonic sound waves through your body from every angle. With enough waves, and enough angles, we form an image of what’s happening inside your body.
It combines those sensors with two petaflops of processing power. But after watching the livestreamed reveal, I’m still unclear on what Midjourney’s AI image generation tech exactly has to do with the Midjourney Medical effort, beyond an alternative business for otherwise-unused AI compute.
Holz hopes to put 10 of the scanners into a Midjourney Spa location in San Francisco’s Union Square that will open before the end of 2027, and offered to scan the hands of attendees at its launch event. The Midjourney Spa will have a gym, saunas, and cold plunges to go along with the hot tub-equipped scanning rooms where visitors will get into the water to be scanned.
He did mention that various medical applications would require FDA clearances, but for now, Midjourney Medical says it’s working on “body composition maps” that don’t require the same level of clearance as diagnostic imaging. It also says the “library of scans” users create can be shared with doctors, AI health tools, or others, and that “We take data privacy seriously — more details on our data policies will come as we get closer to launch.”
Holz suggested that eventually these scans could become better than an MRI, without radiation, powerful magnets, or other complicating factors, to get a look at what’s going on inside people’s bodies “real fast.” In response to a question, he imagined a future where the FDA had a class of devices to look at “weird” things and allowed people to “just try to get as much data as we can.”
Post Comment