Promotional material for Scare Out Photo: Courtesy of Douban

When it comes to espionage, people often think of tales from decades past. In reality, the battles of the intelligence world never cease, unfolding in places unseen. This time, we aim to turn the lens on our present era and the cities we live in, crafting a contemporary spy film that feels "close to home." When espionage battles move from history to our doorstep, the immediacy and significance they convey take on a whole new dimension.

Scare Out is a story of "today," demanding an exceptionally high degree of realism. Our creative process was guided by state security authorities, who provided substantial support in shaping the plot and the characters. During filming, state security officers were present to offer guidance and ensure authenticity. Grounding the story in reality is fundamental—only by establishing this truth can we give audiences a solid foundation for immersion.

With realism as our foundation, we chose to capture the unique rhythm and pulse of the city, letting the story's tension sync with its heartbeat. The pacing of Scare Out is tight and compact. I've constantly pondered how to tell a compelling story within a limited runtime — planting "hooks" to spark curiosity while leaving room for buildup and surprise.

As creation and filming progressed, my understanding deepened. Initially, we were unfamiliar with this realm, but the more we learned, the more we realized how closely these stories are intertwined with everyday life. State security personnel shared many moving accounts — stories that seem almost unbelievable yet unfold quietly in the shadows. For that reason, I wanted the camera to pause at times and illuminate the inner lives of the characters; their silent dedication carries a weight that resonates deeply. As the first contemporary national security-themed film to reach the big screen, Scare Out is more than a movie — it's a tribute to the heroes working on the hidden front lines. We may never know who they are, but it is these countless unsung individuals who safeguard the peace and reunions we enjoy today.

To portray the confrontations and strategies on this hidden front, we frequently used close-ups. Such extreme close-ups are the ultimate test for actors — it's not about technique but about "sincerity." Any hint of inauthenticity in the performance would be laid bare under the magnified lens. The closer the camera gets, the more it reaches the heart, demanding performances that come from within.

This Spring Festival, I hope Scare Out will not only offer a thrilling cinematic journey but also promote audiences to reflect on the meaning of protection.

The article was first published in Chinese on People's Daily on February 21.