Running Time: 125 Minutes
Certification: 15
Starring: Mark Fischbach, Caroline Kaplan, Troy Baker, Elsie Lovelock, Elle LaMont, Seán McLoughlin
Released in 2022, Iron Lung is a short videogame made by David Szymanski which offers a minimalist approach to a submarine set horror. The tale has been adapted for the big-screen by first-time filmmaker Mark Fischbach, who is best known as a popular YouTuber under the pseudonym Markiplier. When compared to the spotty history of video-game films, Iron Lung is a preferable adaptation.
In a galaxy where the stars are gone, those who remain are experiencing the end which has been called The Quiet Rapture. On a barren moon is an ocean of blood that may contain desperately needed resources. To explore it, an unnamed convict (Fischbach) is welded shut within a small, rusty submarine in order to earn his freedom. However, there may be something else lurking within the ocean.
Considering that he wrote, directed, starred in, edited, and self-financed this feature, it is clear that Fischbach was passionate about making this feature adaptation. The result is an effective independent feature, utilising the the minimalist setting in a terrific manner which generates tension within the confined setting. As the story depicts a mission set within claustrophobic confines, in order to save an at-risk humanity, it brings to mind Danny Boyle's excellent film, Sunshine.
As most of the film is spent within this small submarine, the feeling of being trapped inside is effectively replicated for viewers. Impending danger arises as blood enters the vessel one drip at a time, with the darkness outside illuminated only by a bright light which captures each image through a radioactive camera. Fischbach does well delivering this work behind the character, while his performance as the protagonist effectively anchors the film, although some of the more jokey lines can feel out of place.
Due to the game's short length, Fischbach has expanded upon the minimalist video game for this feature-length adaptation. The story offers Eldritch style creatures to inhabit this blood ocean, while the routes taken feel inspired by Event Horizon and a bit of Tetsuo The Iron Man. As a result, fascinating visuals are brought alive with an interesting eye, yet it is worth mentioning that these are the film's less interesting moments. When the scenes of one man sifting blinding through the ocean for unimaginable sights are so effective, the cranked up moments pale in comparison.
With so much set-up to the scenario, there are times when the film can feel bogged down by the need to explain. For example, the opening is fascinatingly shot to make viewers feel like they are being lowered into the blood ocean, yet the voiceover threatens to overwhelm those unfamiliar with the game. The 125-minute runtime can feel laboured in places, leading one to long for a tighter 90-minute feature. Yet, none of this takes away from how Iron Lung is a solid debut for the YouTuber turned filmmaker, and is one of the more enjoyable films adapted from a video game. Now, can we take the Alone in the Dark reboot off Uwe Boll and see what Fischbach can do?
Iron Lung is available in cinemas now
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