YouTube superstar Mark Fischbach, also known as Markiplier, has had Hollywood in an uproar with his first cinematic venture, “Iron Lung.”
Based on the 2022 indie game of the same name, “Iron Lung” tells the story of a world in which all stars and planets have disappeared, save for a few space stations. A convict is sent into a submarine nicknamed the Iron Lung to explore a solitary moon covered in an ocean of blood.
David Szymanski created the game in 2022. Fischbach, a gaming YouTuber, played the game soon after its release and began working on the film with Szymanski in 2023. Fischbach serves as the film’s director, producer, writer and lead actor.
The game gained popularity due to its unique setting and gameplay. The player never leaves the submarine and is forced to close the only window. They navigate the terrain using the ship’s built-in camera. This, as well as the mechanical noises, adds to the game’s tension. The film follows the game’s isolating nature.
Forbes reported that during its opening weekend on Jan. 30, the film grossed over $20 million against a $3 million budget. It passed Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” to become the No. 1 movie in the United States for a total of two days before ultimately being passed by “Send Help.”
The film’s greatest attribute is its ability to create true dread. It is a slow burn from start to finish, but you are isolated along with the convict and dragged along for every adrenaline-pumping moment. This can be a detriment to viewers who are not familiar with the game.
The cinematography is strikingly top-notch for an independent film. Cinematographer Phillip Roy, who has worked for Fischbach on his YouTube projects “In Space With Markiplier” and “A Heist With Markiplier,” uses the restricted environment to his full advantage. The soundtrack also does an excellent job of building suspense and tension. With creaking mechanical noises combined with pulsating thumps, your heart will be racing.
Fischbach plays the convict, now named Simon, who is sent on a mission in the Iron Lung in exchange for his freedom. For his first authentic foray into acting, Fischbach does a truly commendable job as a desperate convict with a dark past. It may be hard, however, for Fischbach’s fans to truly see anyone else besides the YouTuber they know on screen.
Caroline Kaplan, known for her role in “Proof,” plays Ava, the leader of the mission, who keeps in contact with Simon via a speaker. Kaplan stands out as she balances the truth of the mission with seeing Simon’s remaining humanity.
Fischbach truly stands out in his directorial role, composing some extremely satisfying shots. He has truly taken his experience from his independent YouTube projects and only improved.
This film is certainly not for everyone. The story will be confusing for those unfamiliar with the game, and the slow-burning nature can be off-putting. However, if you are looking for a film that holds on and refuses to let go, “Iron Lung” will be an exciting experience oozing more passion than blood.
