Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, Zhang Yimou Spy Thriller ‘Scare Out’ Heading to U.K., Ireland

Trinity CineAsia has acquired U.K. and Ireland distribution rights to “Scare Out,” a contemporary counter-espionage thriller from acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou, from Damai Entertainment.

Written by Chen Liang, the film follows a National Security squad racing to identify and capture spies who have leaked classified intelligence about China’s latest fighter jet technology. The covert investigation expands beyond intelligence circles into civilian life as the hunt intensifies.

The film will launch theatrically across both territories on Feb. 20, synchronized with the Lunar New Year period and its local China release. Select preview screenings are scheduled to begin Feb. 17, offering a day-and-date rollout with the home market.

Produced by Damai Entertainment, “Scare Out” represents Zhang’s first venture into modern national security storytelling. The director previously helmed period wuxia epics including “Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers.”

The thriller features Chinese box office stars Jackson Yee (“Better Days,” “Full River Red”) and Zhu Yilong (“Only the River Flows”) in lead roles, alongside Song Jia (“Her Story”), Lei Jiayin (“A Writer’s Odyssey”) and Yang Mi (“She’s Got No Name”). Zhang Yi, Liu Shishi and Liu Yaowen appear in special roles.

“We are very excited to bring Zhang Yimou’s ‘Scare Out’ to U.K. and Ireland audiences — our first-ever release from this legendary director,” said Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia. Zhang Yimou, the leading light of the so-called Fifth Generation directors, is responsible for so many filmgoers’ initiation into Chinese cinema, not least myself – having been mesmerised by ‘Raise the Red Lantern’ and ‘Ju Dou’ as a young boy, which deeply informed both my own sensibilities and Trinity’s foray into Chinese cinema. He predicted the film “will feel familiar to U.K. audiences and John le Carré fans, yet is unlike anything previously seen in Chinese cinema here.”

Trinity CineAsia specializes in Asian releases in the U.K. market. Recent theatrical titles include Bi Gan’s “Resurrection,” war drama “Dongji Rescue,” animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” and Jackie Chan’s “The Shadow’s Edge.“