iron lung

I went into Iron Lung completely blind. No trailer, no plot summary, nothing. All I knew was that my TikTok feed wouldn't stop screaming about it and my girlfriend was dying to see it.

About fifteen minutes into the movie, she whispered the real reason into my ear: she grew up watching Markiplier on YouTube and thinks he’s “sexy." So, there I was - sitting in the dark, watching a former YouTuber trap himself in a tin can, while my girlfriend treated the theater like a Channing Tatum premiere.

For a movie with basically one setting (a cramped submersible) and one actor (Markiplier himself, aside from a two-minute blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo at the start), I was surprisingly engaged. It’s a bold move to anchor a major motion picture on a single face in a single room, but it works.

The atmosphere is incredibly tense. It feels unique and claustrophobic, standing out from typical horror films that rely heavily on jump scares. The direction succeeds in keeping the audience hooked on the “blood ocean" exploration, even when the character's motivations are not immediately clear.

One point of contention is how the film handles its backstory. The “why" behind the blood ocean, the fate of Earth, and the protagonist's specific mission feels a bit under-explained. While the film hints at these elements, it seems to rely on the audience having prior knowledge.

Researching after the screening reveals that the movie is based on an indie video game where much of this lore is established. Players of the game likely have a much smoother experience, while newcomers might leave with several questions. While a movie that provokes thought is generally a positive, a bit more on-screen context would have helped bridge the gap for the uninitiated.

Initial impressions might lean toward a 5/10 due to the missing context. However, once the background lore is understood, the film’s value increases. It features strong cinematography and impressive tension for a directorial debut.

Final Verdict: Is it good or does it suck?

It may not be a film for multiple viewings, but it is certainly worth a watch for the unique experience. For fans of the lead actor or the original game, it will likely be a highlight. It is a solid recommendation for a movie night, especially if looking for something different in the horror genre.