I.S.S. (2023) Thriller Movie Review

Clocking in at a gripping 90 minutes, the movie efficiently keeps us on the edge of our seats. The first half-hour sets up the story like a Jenga tower, with every line of dialogue hinting at tense and terrifying moments to come. The remaining hour dives into intense peril and shifting loyalties, akin to the inevitable collapse of a Jenga tower.

Despite knowing the pressure each piece of information puts on the six characters, the audience is captivated to see how it unfolds. The stellar cast, inclauding Chris Messina, Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, and Tony winner John Gallagher, Jr., as the American crew, along with Masha Mashkova, Costa Ronin, and Pilou Asbæk as the Russian crew, plays a significant role. The movie also benefits from Geoff Wallace's excellent production design and special effects that meet our expectations, yet still manage to surprise us. For example, in a weightless environment, blood comes out in little floating drops, and traditional actions like throwing a punch or firing a gun become a whole new challenge.

Similar to "Alien," the movie "I.S.S." grips you right away by unfolding in a tight space far from Earth. The story kicks off with the arrival of a new scientist named Kira and a returning officer named Christian to the International Space Station (I.S.S.). This sets the stage for us to meet the characters, witness their experiences with weightlessness (some choose to strap themselves to beds, while others float), and even see lab mice in the same situation, hinting at potential trouble: "They're afraid with nothing to hold onto. It does not end well."

A subtle warning emerges when the American commanding officer, Gordon Barrett, points out the significance of the constant hum of the life support system: "When you don’t hear that hum, that’s when you start to panic." This detail becomes crucial as Kira and the audience become attuned to the absence of this sound.

These initial scenes also delve into the dynamics of the workplace, intensified by the fact that they are in close quarters all day, every day. We witness both the surface-level friendliness and humor among the crew, as well as the underlying support they offer one another, knowing that their survival depends on each member giving their best. Kira forms connections, particularly with the only other woman on board, Weronika, but encounters a less friendly atmosphere with her fellow scientist, Alexy. Despite cultural differences, there's a genuine sense of teamwork, especially when they share a view of Earth—a reminder that, in space, the divisions on our maps seem to disappear, leaving a united and peaceful planet.

In a shocking moment, the crew in "I.S.S." witnesses what seems like a volcano erupting on Earth. However, things take a dark turn when a severe, blistering rash spreads across large parts of the planet—a destruction caused by humans. Barrett, the American commanding officer, receives a mysterious message instructing him to take control of the space station "by any means necessary," without informing even his fellow Americans. It's likely that the Russians got a similar directive from their government.

The tension in "I.S.S." escalates not just from technical problems but from the rapid breakdown of the friendly atmosphere among the crew. Each member faces a crucial decision—whether to trust anyone, even those in romantic relationships that cross the US/Russia divide. Trust becomes more critical than the machinery itself, yet both are in jeopardy as the space station needs support from Earth within a few hours, and their communication systems fail. Shifting loyalties and malfunctioning technology heighten the tension, keeping the story moving swiftly so that there's little time to overthink the dire situation.