Kusama will reunite with screenwriters Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi for the project, marking a significant reunion for the trio behind the critically lauded 2015 thriller The Invitation and the 2018 crime drama Destroyer. Their proven track record of crafting intense, character-driven narratives bodes well for the challenging source material.

Mouthwashing, developed by Wrong Organ and published by Critical Reflex, has garnered a reputation as a uniquely unsettling sci-fi horror experience. The game plunges players into the claustrophobic confines of the space freighter Tulpar, where five crew members find themselves stranded after a catastrophic crash. With resources dwindling and rescue uncertain, the psychological toll begins to fray their relationships, exposing dark truths and past decisions.

The game's narrative is intentionally non-linear, weaving between events before and after the disaster. This structure forces players to constantly re-evaluate their understanding of the crew and the circumstances that led to their desperate situation. Described by Collider as "bleak, grotesque, and sometimes difficult to sit through," Mouthwashing is a story that thrives on slow-burn revelations and moral ambiguity.

Kusama's directorial style appears particularly well-suited to translating Mouthwashing's intricate psychological horror to the big screen. Her work on The Invitation masterfully built tension from social dynamics, showcasing how shared histories and unspoken resentments can complicate responses to danger. This expertise in exploring how long individuals will tolerate uncomfortable or horrifying situations before confronting reality aligns perfectly with the game's premise. Furthermore, her direction in films like Jennifer's Body demonstrated a keen ability to examine themes of victimhood, belief, and whose perspective ultimately shapes a story—elements that are crucial to Mouthwashing's impact.

Joining the team as a producer is horror veteran Scott Derrickson, known for directing hits like The Black Phone and Sinister. He will produce alongside C. Robert Cargill and Vince Cheng through their banner, Crooked Highway. Derrickson's involvement adds another layer of genre expertise to the project, promising a faithful yet innovative adaptation.

The adaptation is currently in development, with no cast or release date announced. Given the game's unique narrative and the formidable creative team assembled, the Mouthwashing movie is shaping up to be a compelling addition to the sci-fi horror landscape.