Iron Lung: A Perilously Paranoid Passion Project

Submerging the Vessel

Hold your breath and check your oxygen levels, because one of the biggest content creators in the world has unleashed an all-new horror flick! Iron Lung is based on the 2022 video game of the same name, which isolates players in the depths of a mysterious, bloody sea. The game rose to prominence shortly after its initial release, largely due to many online content creators posting their own personal playthroughs of it. You can read Elizabeth May’s review on the Iron Lung video game here. But little did Iron Lung’s creators know that one of the biggest names on YouTube was about to launch an ambitious adaptation which would help it reach an even grander audience. 

Enter Mark Fischbach – better known by his username, Markiplier – a content creator who specializes in playthroughs of various games, ranging in style, tone, and genre. Sporting a fanbase of over 38 million subscribers, his video on Iron Lung introduced viewers to a new dimension of terror through the game’s isolated setting and dystopian premise. 

Shortly after his video’s release, Fischbach revealed that he would be directing and starring in a film adaptation, with other popular figures involved in its production. This proved to be a successful endeavor, as the movie has sold out multiple screenings across the country – despite very little mainstream marketing – and tracks an opening weekend total of around $10 million as audiences rave about its quality. 

Going into this film, I was highly enthusiastic, primarily because of how much I love Fischbach’s content, including his playthrough of Iron Lung. His videos not only have a great sense of energy and humor, but he has an impeccable sense of variety in what he covers, with many games ranging from comedic to horrific. With Iron Lung, though I have not played it for myself, I became fascinated with its creative premise and isolated setting: a mini submarine submerged deep in an ocean. I was curious to see how Fischbach would tackle the source material on the big screen, especially considering that this is his first endeavor into the film industry.

Enthusiastically, I headed to Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Mansfield on Thursday, Jan. 29, and booked a ticket to a decently packed screening. As the voyage came to a close, I was left with one question: did this movie prove to be a strong start to Fischbach’s film career, or was it better off to leave this mission lost at sea?

Into the Unknown

Set in a dystopian future, Iron Lung focuses on the aftermath of a mysterious event known as the Quiet Rapture, which caused the universe’s stars and habitable planets to disappear. Amid the treachery, a convict named Simon is sent on a mission to explore an ocean of blood located on a desolate moon, gather samples of what’s below, and claim his freedom in return. Taking refuge in a finicky submarine known as the Iron Lung, Simon embarks on the perilous journey, where he begins to question his own sanity as malevolent forces lurk in the deep.

Along with directing the feature, Fischbach also stars in the leading role. He is accompanied by additional talent including Caroline Rose Kaplan, Troy Baker, Elsie Lovelock, and Elle LaMont.

After years of development, I am proud to report that Fischbach’s directorial effort is one of strong quality. I was thoroughly impressed by this movie, and felt that my expectations going into it were appropriately met. This primarily stems from how it tackled its premise, one of the main factors as to why I was excited for it. The film takes the core concept of the original game – which prioritized exploring the depths and taking sample pictures – and expands upon it to fit a two-hour runtime by adding more character depth and motivation. As a result, it stays true to the overall spirit of the source material while still finding ways to stand its own ground, making for an engaging plot which is greatly approachable, even for those who have not played the game. 

The movie also takes time to develop the protagonist, especially in the second half, to make his situation more believable and help viewers to gravitate towards him. Rather than focus solely on Simon’s journey to collect samples, the film examines him as a character by delving into his past, exploring how he ended up on this journey to begin with, and emphasizing a descent into madness as he loses track of his situation. It effectively delves into his psyche as he loses sight of what’s to come, and his hope of reaching the surface diminishes, adding a tragic layer to this flawed character as viewers root for him to make it out alive. 

The primary aspects of this story play out quite well, especially for a debut feature. However, no first film is without its issues, to which this film possesses many. Namely, despite the strong crafting of the overarching plot, the pacing does meander on many occasions, thus creating an occasional feeling of tediousness. There are some scenes which do drag on longer than expected, particularly in parts which see Simon explore the Iron Lung and map out an escape route. 

These and other quieter sequences are accompanied by very little music and dialogue, opting instead to amplify the natural sound design of a submarine with little to no means of contact. Though this does add a layer of realism to the movie, I feel like these instances could have been either condensed into montages or trimmed as a whole in order to keep the pacing steady rather than slow. 

Additionally, I wished the film explored its overarching conflict, the Quiet Rapture, a bit more. Early in the runtime, this event was categorized as a catastrophic instance which left the universe in complete darkness, a very interesting idea in concept. However, the movie does not do much to explore the Quiet Rapture other than a few expository lines in the second and third acts. Even then, when the crisis is explored, it’s done through telling the audience of its potential causes and overall impact rather than showing them. 

It ultimately does very little to expand upon such a fascinating event, which is a shame considering the promise it holds. I feel like the film could have implemented one or two flashback sequences throughout the runtime as a means of exploring the event, whether it be through how it started or the damage it caused, to help it resonate with audiences more than just anticlimactically telling them of its impact.

A Conflicted Crew

The film does not have a massive ensemble, as it relies on one primary performance to bring its conflict to life: Fischbach as Simon. However, his screen dominance not only makes the movie worthwhile, but it adds to the overall unsettling feel the plot sets up. Going into this film, I was not sure what to expect from Fischbach’s performance, as his online persona is built on high energy and raunchy humor. Yet, his personality in this movie pulls a complete 180 from what he’s known for, completely surprising me in how he performed this character. 

Other than one scene in the first act, Simon is the only character who is physically seen throughout the film, as he pilots the Iron Lung through the depths of the bloody ocean. He is portrayed as a highly skeptical character, who frequently questions his surroundings and expresses uncertainty of what truly lurks in the deep. As the problem progresses, he begrudgingly begins to question his own sanity, suffering horrifying hallucinations and challenging the authenticity and motivation behind his procedure. All the while, he struggles to come to terms with his past, reliving traumatic memories which ultimately led him to the position where he is now. 

Fischbach illustrates these traits by portraying Simon in a grounded and realistic fashion. He frequently has conversations with himself as he scours through the crammed submarine, while not being afraid to lash out as the conflict becomes too overwhelming. His performance is very emotional, especially ahead of the third act when he realizes the severity of his current status, as he balances out traits of rage, uncertainty, fear, and determination to illustrate his character’s peril. As a result, I was left highly surprised by Fischbach’s performance, especially in how he managed to keep his character enthralling despite being the only one primarily onscreen. 

The only nitpick I had with Simon’s character was some of his dialogue. While the majority of his lines are delivered effectively with appropriate emotional drawl, his lines do feel a bit awkward every now and again. For instance, some lines fall into telling the audience directly how he feels and what he sees, while others resort to vulgarities which are often repeated after similar scenarios – such as when Simon fails to make contact with anyone from the submarine. These lines ultimately feel odd in the grand scheme of the runtime, as they don’t do much to explore Simon’s personality and more so feel like they’re just there for the sake of it. Thankfully, most of Simon’s lines are delivered expertly, but there are those moments of awkwardness amid all the tension. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the cast is primarily only heard through radio intercoms as they communicate with Simon from the surface. Though they do not have much overall significance, the time they do have in the limelight is worthwhile thanks to their impactful voice acting. 

Most notably, Kaplan does exceptionally well in performing Ava, the person who oversees this entire operation. In the few communications she has with Simon, Kaplan provides a stern and straightforward approach, prioritizing the mission over her subject’s well-being. Without spoiling too much, I will also say that she plays a key role in the third act of the movie, which serves as a great highlight of her skills in dramatic acting. 

There is not a massive ensemble in this movie, but every performer does their absolute best with what they’re given, adding to the effective ambiance the film sets up.

What Horrors Await

As far as building tension goes, Iron Lung does a great job at providing an unnerving and tense feel to keep viewers on edge. In fact, it does so in a highly unique way which helps it stand out from many other mainstream horror films. This is a very atmospheric movie, in how it prioritizes building tension around its surroundings and setting, rather than through constant loud noises and jumpscares like most modern scary movies. I found this to be a great approach, as it not only built its terror efficiently, but it made the scare factor feel more natural and less gimmicky, adding extra emphasis to the realism the film establishes.

Part of what makes the atmosphere so effective is the film’s setting, which is entirely within the Iron Lung vessel. This is a very secluded location, with little room to move around freely and structural integrity which just barely keeps the submarine intact. Not to mention, whenever there’s a close encounter from the outside area, the camera moves by design to stimulate shaking as the metal exterior rattles and Simon tumbles and falls across the ship. This made for a highly impactful approach to the terror, as I felt every bump, crash, and jolt the submarine faced, and even felt a bit claustrophobic due to the limited location and lack of free exploration. 

Much like in the original game, the majority of the film’s outside areas are limited to photographs Simon takes on a giant camera attached to the vessel, which brightly flash on a giant screen on the interior. These pictures provide an uncanny feel through their black-and-white coloring and suspicious captures – ranging from underwater creatures to skeletons. 

Not to mention, the screen which broadcasts these pictures serves as its own light source, brightening up the darkened submarine with a brief, seconds-long flash. It not only provides an uncomforting nature to what lurks in the ocean, but it also adds to the film’s unnerving ambiance as the camera frequently and ominously flashes against the Iron Lung’s darkened interior.

All of these factors culminate in an unforgettable third act, which sees Simon stuck in the vessel as it reaches its breaking point. Without spoiling too much about what happens, the movie utilizes fantastic practical effects to execute an intense climax, with a heavy emphasis on blood and occasional gore. It makes primary usage of the Iron Lung’s crammed interior to add an extra feeling of claustrophobia as Simon rigorously fights to survive, even as the Iron Lung begins facing grand hardships. This conclusion not only serves as an intense wrap-up to an atmospheric story, but it utilizes the setting – both inside and out – to its own advantage, resulting in an unforgettable ending which is equal parts creative and frightful.

Gasping for Air

Overall, despite its slow pacing, lack of development in the conflict, and occasionally awkward dialogue, Iron Lung serves as a solid directorial debut through its tense atmosphere, secluded setting, strong lead performance, and unforgettable technical aspects. This film not only acts as an effective adaptation of a unique video game, but it is also a highly promising start for Fischbach’s film career. 

If you’re a fan of dystopian stories, the horror genre, or Fischbach’s YouTube content, this is a highly serviceable pick for your next watch. Iron Lung is currently causing a wave at thousands of theaters across the country, including locally at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Mansfield. If you want to see a horror film that’s equal parts creative and claustrophobic, this is the perfect movie for you.

It may hit some oceanic turbulence, but this movie sent out a strong signal and attracted a dedicated audience as a result, leading to an effective debut feature from one of YouTube’s biggest names.

My Rating