Scare Out
2026 Chinese thriller film
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Scared Out is a 2026 Chinese spy thriller film directed by Zhang Yimou and written by Liang Chen. The film stars Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, and Song Jia, with Lei Jiayin, Yang Mi, Zhang Yi, Liu Shishi, and Liu Yaowen in supporting roles.[2][3][4][5]
| Scare Out | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Chinese | 惊蛰无声 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Jīngzhé wúshēng |
| Directed by | Zhang Yimou |
| Written by | Liang Chen |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Zhao Xiaoding |
| Edited by | Li Yongyi |
| Music by | Peng Fei |
| Distributed by | Damai Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Box office | US$179.9 million[1] |
The film was created under the guidance of the Ministry of State Security, making it the first Chinese film centered on national security. It was released on February 17, 2026 in China.
Synopsis
Critical intelligence related to China's development of a sixth-generation fighter jet is at risk of being leaked. Yan Di and Huang Kai lead a national security unit that launches an investigation. At the same time, the unit's leader, Zhao Hong, unexpectedly learns that someone within the team may have already been turned.
Cast
- Jackson Yee as Yan Di
- Zhu Yilong as Huang Kai
- Song Jia as Zhao Hong
- Lei Jiayin as Li Nan
- Yang Mi as Bai Fan
- Zhang Yi as Director Wang
- Liu Shishi as Xiao Yu
- Liu Yaowen as Jian Hao
Production
In February 2025, the film was officially filed with the China Film Administration and approved for production.[6] On April 14, the film began shooting in Shenzhen and released a concept poster, officially announcing its main cast.[7][8]
Release
The film was released in several countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States on 17 February 2026. It was distributed by Trinity CineAsia in the United Kingdom and Ireland on the same day.[9]
Reception
Simon Abrams of RogerEbert.com gave the film two out of four stars and wrote: "The worst thing about Scare Out isn't that it's boring and ultimately trite, but that there's so little of Zhang's usual sensuousness in it."[10]
Leslie Felperin of The Guardian wrote: "Zhang's incredible command of the craft is fully on display, the cinematic equivalent of quadruple axles, salchows and super-fast spins with one leg held behind the head."[11]