I.S.S (2023) Review

 

"In 'I.S.S.,' set aboard the US/Russia International Space Station, the age-old adage from 'Alien' takes on a chilling twist: in space, someone might just overhear your whisper. Clocking in at a tight 90 minutes, the film wastes no time, setting up a tense Jenga tower of a narrative with every line of dialogue hinting at impending peril. With a stellar cast including Chris Messina, Ariana DeBose, and John Gallagher, Jr., and top-notch production design by Geoff Wallace, 'I.S.S.' delivers on both suspense and spectacle. From the weightless choreography to the eerie realism of floating blood droplets, every detail adds to the gripping atmosphere.

Like its predecessor 'Alien,' 'I.S.S.' thrives on claustrophobia, trapping its characters far from Earth in a confined space. Newcomer Kira (DeBose) provides our entry point into this world, experiencing weightlessness alongside returning officer Christian (Gallagher). As tensions rise and ominous signs emerge—a cryptic message, a blistering rash on Earth—the crew's camaraderie frays, forcing them to confront their loyalties and trust. With each passing moment, the stakes skyrocket as the space station hurtles towards catastrophe.

Despite the looming mechanical failures, it's the interpersonal dynamics that truly drive the suspense. From budding romances to cultural divides, every relationship is tested under the pressure of impending doom. As alliances shift and technology falters, 'I.S.S.' hurtles towards its thrilling conclusion, leaving audiences breathless and on the edge of their seats. In this gripping space thriller, the only thing more terrifying than the void of space is the darkness lurking within the human heart."