Scare Out (Chinese: 惊蛰无声) 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]
The film was created under the guidance of the Ministry of State Security (MSS), making it the first Chinese film to receive public backing from the MSS.[6] It was released in China on February 17, 2026.
Plot
Critical intelligence related to China’s development of a sixth-generation fighter jet is leaked by Li Nan, a chemistry professor. National Security Bureau operatives Yan Di and Huang Kai are assigned to investigate the breach.
At the same time, Zhao Hong, the leader of another operations unit, learns that Huang Kai is being recruited by Bai Fan, a foreign spy. To stop further leaks and expose the traitor within their ranks, a covert investigation is secretly initiated.
In the end, Li Nan is silenced and killed by Bai Fan, while Huang Kai takes his own life after a confrontation with Yan Di. It is revealed that Yan Di’s true identity is that of a double agent. On the surface, he appears to be working for a foreign intelligence agency, but in reality he continues to maintain a clandestine one-way line of communication with Director Wang of the National Security Bureau, preparing to counter future activities by foreign intelligence organizations.
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.[7] On April 14, the film began shooting in Shenzhen and released a concept poster, officially announcing its main cast.[8][9]
Release
The film was released in several countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States on February 17, 2026. It was distributed by Trinity CineAsia in the United Kingdom and Ireland on the same day.[10]
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.”[11]
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.”[12]
References
- ^ “Daily Box Office > China”. Entgroup. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (February 2, 2026). “Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, Zhang Yimou Spy Thriller ‘Scare Out’ Heading to U.K., Ireland”. Variety.
- ^ Rosser, Michael (2 February 2026). “Zhang Yimou espionage thriller ‘Scare Out’ lands UK-Ireland distribution”. Screen Daily.
- ^ 翔菲, 杨 (2025-04-15). “张艺谋《惊蛰无声》官宣 阿里影业李捷：内容公司有义务主动担当时代使命”. Shanghai Securities News (in Chinese). Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ “张艺谋首次执导当代国安题材电影 电影《惊蛰无声》众星云集”. 新华社 (in Chinese). 2025-04-16. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ^ Ting, Fu; Castillo, E. Eduardo (2026-03-15). “Counterespionage thriller is first Chinese movie to get backing of intelligence agency”. Associated Press. Retrieved 2026-03-15.
- ^ “备案公示查询结果 影剧备字〔2025〕第501号”. 国家电影局 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-02-22.
- ^ “张艺谋《惊蛰无声》官宣 谍战巨制聚焦国家安全”. 中华网 (in Chinese). 2025-04-14. Archived from the original on 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
- ^ “张艺谋执导首部国家安全题材影片《惊蛰无声》开拍”. 封面新闻 (in Chinese). 2025-04-14. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
- ^ “Zhang Yimou’s ‘Scare Out’ Lands UK & Ireland Release With Trinity CineAsia”. Deadline. 2 February 2026.
- ^ Abrams, Simon (February 18, 2026). “Scare Out”. RogerEbert.com.
- ^ Felperin, Leslie (18 February 2026). “Scare Out review – Zhang Yimou’s twisty spy thriller offers eye-popping stunts and future tech”. The Guardian.