Adrenal

Adrenal (2026)



腎上腺-母侵

0.0 2026 126 min Taiwan

Director: Frank Zhou

Cast: Lily Tien, Liu Dai-ying, Ryan Kuo, Lee Luo, Alan Lau

After losing her husband to suicide, CHAI Ya-hui returns to Taiwan from Japan to raise her daughter Xiao-xiao alone. But their quiet life shatters when gangsters begin hunting them. When Xiao-xiao and her classmate Ya-hoo are abducted, Ya-hui turns to the police—only to hit a wall of indifference. Determined, she takes the rescue into her own hands. The kidnappers wield chilling high-tech tactics to torment both mother and daughter, unraveling a dark web of past dismemberments, organ trafficking, and buried historical wounds. As clues collide, Ya-hui uncovers the key to the crime, exposing the roots of obsession and trauma, and delivers a shocking twist no one sees coming.

More About This Film

Adrenal, also known by its original Chinese title 'Shen Jing Xian Mu Qin' (Adrenaline Maternal Invasion), is a 2026 Taiwanese suspense and thriller film directed by Zhou Teng. The movie features a prominent cast including Tien Li, Minami Tanaka, Li Ren, Xia Guangli, and Huang Jianqun. Set against the backdrop of intense psychological drama, the film explores themes of horror and mystery, aiming to deliver a gripping narrative experience for audiences seeking high-tension cinematic content.

Upon its release in Taiwan on June 12, 2026, the film received a polarized reception. While some viewers acknowledged its potential as a cult classic with strong visual impacts, the dominant critical response was negative. Many reviewers criticized the film's thematic elements, particularly regarding its stance on reproductive rights, describing the director's expression as repulsive and labeling the production as a significant failure in storytelling and execution. The runtime of the film is 126 minutes, presented in Mandarin Chinese.

  • The film stars veteran actress Tien Li alongside Japanese actress Minami Tanaka, marking an international collaboration in the thriller genre.
  • Director Zhou Teng has positioned this project within the suspense and thriller categories, attempting to blend psychological tension with social commentary.
  • Audience reviews from early screenings in September 2026 highlight extreme divisiveness, with some users giving it one-star ratings due to ideological disagreements, while others noted its potential for cult status if marketed differently.
  • The production involves a multinational cast, reflecting the cross-border co-production trends common in contemporary Asian cinema.

Where to Watch

Availability for Adrenal (2026) may vary by region; check local listings for streaming or theatrical options.