Sony has acquired the feature film rights to the video game Mouthwashing, with Karyn Kusama, known for directing Jennifer's Body, attached to direct. The adaptation will be produced in part by Scott Derrickson, director of Sinister and Doctor Strange.
The game, which explores themes of corporate exploitation and worker mistreatment through a first-person narrative perspective, has been praised for its handling of sensitive subject matter and unique character perspective mechanics. However, the game's developer, Critical Reflex, has expressed apprehension about the adaptation, citing concerns over the fandom's reception of the game's themes and the potential for misinterpretation in a film format.
Providing a counterpoint to these concerns, the involvement of Kusama, a director noted for her work on the cult classic Jennifer's Body, offers a promising element for the adaptation, particularly given the game's focus on complex and difficult themes. Kusama's frequent collaborators, writers Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay, are also attached to the project. The writing duo has previously worked with Kusama on films such as The Invitation and Destroyer, though their filmography also includes titles like Clash of the Titans and R.I.P.D.
Despite the potential, there are reservations about the necessity and execution of a feature film based on Mouthwashing. Its minimal interactivity and reliance on the unique perspective afforded by the video game medium raise questions about how effectively these elements can translate to cinema. The developer also pointed to an "uncomfortably intense fandom" that has sometimes prioritized memes and skits over a deeper engagement with the game's narrative substance, fueling anxieties about how the film will be received and interpreted.