Key Points
- Genre & Director: A contemporary Chinese espionage thriller directed by Zhang Yimou.
- Core Theme: Focuses on modern national security threats in China, including leaks of classified information and insider betrayal.
- Style: Tension arises from psychological suspense and covert urban operations rather than historical wars or explosive action.
- Release: Scheduled for release during Chinese New Year (February 17, 2026).
- Cast: Starring Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, Song Jia, Lei Jiayin, and Yang Mi.
- Development: Developed with guidance from the Ministry of State Security, highlighting hidden dangers in everyday urban life.
Overview
Set in present-day China, Scare Out prioritizes psychological suspense over explosive action, marking Zhang Yimou’s first major film on contemporary national security. The narrative was developed with guidance from official state security authorities, reflecting modern concerns such as data protection, technology security, and safeguarding sensitive military information. The movie showcases how threats often emerge quietly within urban life, emphasizing subtle tension and strategic intelligence operations rather than large-scale battles.
- Release Date: February 17, 2026 (Chinese New Year)
- Director: Zhang Yimou
- Starring: Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, Song Jia, Lei Jiayin, Yang Mi
- Genre: Contemporary Espionage / Psychological Thriller / Suspense
The Story: Covert Threats in Everyday Life
The plot revolves around the unauthorized release of classified information on China’s latest fighter aircraft. A state security task force investigates the leak, revealing a mole within the team, and highlighting the complex web of trust, betrayal, and hidden danger.
The film balances quiet surveillance, undercover operations, urban pursuits, and strategic confrontations with moments of psychological tension, avoiding typical spy-movie spectacle. The title Jingzhe (“Awakening of Insects”) symbolizes latent threats suddenly surfacing, mirroring the film’s central theme of hidden dangers in ordinary life.
Why Scare Out Matters
Scare Out represents a shift in contemporary Chinese cinema:
- Modern Focus: Focuses on modern, systemic threats rather than historical conflicts.
- Societal Relevance: Explores societal vigilance, showing that national security extends into everyday life.
- Educational Value: Combines thrilling storytelling with educational elements, raising public awareness of espionage, cybersecurity, and insider threats.
- Genre Innovation: Uses psychological suspense to appeal to audiences seeking thoughtful thrillers.
Cultural and Industry Impact
- Highlights the role of state security agencies in protecting classified information.
- Marks Zhang Yimou’s first foray into a contemporary espionage thriller.
- Reflects a trend in Chinese cinema to portray intelligence, cybersecurity, and internal risks as part of modern national challenges.
- Reinforces that national security is no longer abstract, but woven into daily urban life.
The Bottom Line
Scheduled to headline the 2026 Chinese New Year box office, Scare Out is both a commercial release and a cultural reflection of China’s modern national security concerns. For international audiences, the film provides insight into how China frames covert threats and counter-intelligence operations in everyday life. With Zhang Yimou’s direction and a strong ensemble cast, Scare Out is poised to be a significant cultural and cinematic work.