Summary
- The International Space Station makes for a great setting in this space thriller.
- Realism is a priority in I.S.S., with the film emphasizing the challenges and claustrophobic nature of life in space.
- The film delves into human nature and the complexities of survival, with visual effects showcasing the terrifying consequences of a war from the perspective of those trapped in the space station.
The International Space Station has been a luminous symbol of scientific collaboration and peaceful coexistence between countries who are normally adversarial. Humanity’s reach for the stars provides a unifying hope for advancement that crosses borders and geopolitical division. However, I.S.S. posits a terrifying scenario where American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts become zero-gravity murderers in a brutal fight for its control. A harrowing narrative fueled by stunning visual effects greatly disheartens, but reminds us how close we stand to the precipice of World War III.
Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) smiles nervously as her spacecraft prepares to dock with the I.S.S. Her fellow American astronaut, Christian (John Gallagher Jr.), tells the rookie not to worry. He proudly shows pictures of his beloved daughters to calm her tension. The latch opens with a big smile from the American team leader. Captain Gordon Barrett (Chris Messina) shepherds them weightless to meet their Russian counterparts. Weronika (Maria Mashkova) has a twinkle in her eye for the dashing Gordon. Alexey (Pilou Asbæk) and Nicholai (Costa Ronin) eagerly await delicious snacks and booze from the resupply mission.
The group laughs as Kira struggles to drink vodka at dinner. Their strong camaraderie is interrupted by an alarm. There’s some kind of technical malfunction affecting the I.S.S. Gordon looks towards Earth in abject horror. He can’t believe what he’s seeing. Gordon orders everyone to stay away from the windows. He races to a beeping communication station with a message for his eyes only. Gordon has been ordered to commandeer the I.S.S. and neutralize the Russians. He turns towards a stunned Nicholai at the Russian comms portal. Did he just get the same directive?
A Realistic Sci-Fi Thriller
Release Date January 19, 2024
Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Runtime 1hr 35min
Writers Nick Shafir
Pros
- The space station is an excellent setting for a thriller.
- The visual effects and zero-gravity fight scenes are top notch.
- I.S.S. is a scientifically accurate and disturbing sci-fi thriller.
Cons
- It’s a little rushed and some questions go unanswered.
I.S.S. isn’t fantastical science fiction à la Star Trek. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish, Megan Leavey) and screenwriter Nick Shafir establish realism as a priority in a brief first act. Kira’s difficulties adjusting to life in space are thoroughly documented. Sleeping upright while constrained by a zipper, using the bathroom, and eating, trivial tasks on Earth, are exceedingly difficult without gravity. The station also confines the characters in a claustrophobic way. Every available inch has equipment strapped down. There’s little privacy or places to hide. A foreboding setting takes shape for the violence to come.
Related: The 15 Best Hard Sci-Fi Movies That Define the Genre
The film takes a Machiavellian turn as the scientists debate their next move. Kira struggles with Gordon’s revelation. How do they know those orders are legitimate? The world is literally ablaze. Shouldn’t calmer heads prevail in a crisis? Kira doesn’t view her Russian counterparts as hostile. She can’t fathom they would try to hurt anyone. Christian has a mercenary approach. Don’t be foolish. It’s us versus them. They put their lives at risk by not engaging the Russians first.
Weronika shares Kira’s sentiment on the Russian side of the I.S.S. Cooperation is needed now more than ever. Her feelings towards Gordon supersede any blind nationalism. She isn’t a robot programmed to kill. Nicholai, a die-hard patriot, puts his country above all. Friendships mean nothing in war. They are obligated to service and duty. Alexey understands both points, but is torn apart by the gut-wrenching choice. Can he attack cherished colleagues after inseparable months working together? What will be the aftermath of such extreme actions? There is no returning to normal once that decision is made.
Earth Ablaze
I.S.S. transforms into a violent thriller as human nature unfortunately takes hold. There’s no elegance to space combat. Tools become weapons but they cannot be used haphazardly. A mistake or accidental damage to the station could spell doom for everyone. How do you punch, kick, stab, or choke when the slightest feather touch leads to spinning uncontrollably like a propeller? Cowperthwaite gets top marks for going granular in this regard. The Americans and Russians need to think out of the box to subdue each other. Subterfuge and deceit become just as important as brute physical force. Are you willing to exploit perceived trust to gain a tactical advantage?
Related: Ariana DeBose Talks Zero Gravity Survival with I.S.S. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Visual effects are the most important element to the film’s credibility. The majesty of Earth’s awe-inspiring beauty from the I.S.S. changes to fright when the scope of the war becomes evident. You’ll shudder every time Cowperthwaite offers a glimpse of terra firma carnage. The characters have a birds-eye view of the apocalypse. Its epic scale is juxtaposed by six dumbstruck people hovering in a titanium can. The I.S.S. is now a prison death trap. Food, water, and oxygen are dwindling finite resources. Self-preservation requires an escape, but where do you go and how to get there? This is when I.S.S. turns truly ugly.
An optimist hopes better nature will prevail. The cynic and pessimist goes for floating blood bubbles first. Mental anguish shatters the veneer of loyalty and consensus. Us versus them devolves to the individual, above all, in a survival situation. But can empathy prevail outside our basic instincts? Shafir’s script smartly leaves some questions unanswered, but does deliver bombshell reasoning for the space station’s importance in a savage climax. We can only hope and pray this film isn’t prophetic in any regard.
I.S.S. is a production of LD Entertainment. It will be released theatrically on January 19th from Bleecker Street.
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