The film 'Scare Out,' directed by the acclaimed Zhang Yimou, has quickly gained popularity in China, particularly during the Lunar New Year holiday. This spy thriller, which has reportedly received backing from the Ministry of State Security, is unique as it claims to be based on actual cases involving espionage. Within its narrative, the film follows counter-espionage agents pursuing a researcher who has leaked sensitive information to foreign spies, while simultaneously uncovering a mole within their team.

As of its release, 'Scare Out' has grossed approximately 483 million yuan (around US$70 million) within just three days, according to data from Maoyan, a well-known Chinese ticketing platform. This impressive figure places it as the second highest-grossing film during this period, trailing only behind the comedy 'Pegasus 3,' which amassed 1.5 billion yuan. The film's success highlights not only the engaging storyline but also the government’s influence and interest in promoting narratives that reflect national security interests during significant cultural celebrations.

The film's emergence during the Lunar New Year — a time of grand celebrations and family gatherings in China — further emphasizes its role as both entertainment and a vehicle for state messaging. As audiences flock to theaters, the intertwining of state endorsement and cinematic art in ‘Scare Out’ poses implications for how national security narratives may influence public perception and engagement with domestic cinema, potentially steering future projects within the Chinese film industry.