I.S.S. makes some fatal missteps that will have viewers wondering if they are watching an incomplete version of the film. That said, it has its bright spots too.
I.S.S. sounds fantastic on paper, and while it does deliver some truly heart pounding and intense moments, it makes a couple of fatal mistakes that cause it to not live up to its full potential. As expected by the name of the film, this movie takes place at the International Space Station. This is the only setting for the entire film, which features just six actors. Not a bad thing, if the script knows how to use them all correctly.
On board the I.S.S. are three astronauts and three cosmonauts. Tensions are high after something down on Earth causes the American and the Russians to be pit against each other. Having worked together and been friends, that friendship is quickly thrown to the side by some as they are determined to do their country proud and follow orders to overtake the International Space Station.
Because there are just six characters in the entire film, it is important to feel a connection (good or bad) to all of them, and that simply does not happen in I.S.S. There are certainly the few standouts that make this movie entertaining, but there are at least two characters who never fully reach their potential. Ariana DeBose is more or less the star of the film, however she is severely underused. While fantastic when she is on screen, her character is set up to do some truly incredible things and only half delivers.
The other main standout is Pilou Asbæk, who plays cosmonaut Alexey Pulov. His character has an unexpected depth to him and while half the time we don’t know what he is saying (more on that later), there is something about him that is sure to captivate audiences.
The visuals in I.S.S. are a mixed bag. While there are certainly some truly stunning moments, there are also scenes that are very clearly green screen. At the same time, there are certain scenes and angles where it is very clear where the wires are attached on the actors’ clothing so that they can accomplish the zero gravity effect.
As stated above, there is some confusion as to what the Russians are saying during key moments of the film. Sometimes there are subtitles, sometimes there are not. It seems that this was an artistic choice, but the times when they are not used are the most intense among the cosmonauts. There are loud arguments and intense conversations that the audience is not privy to, unless the speak Russian.
This not only pulls the audience out of the film as they wonder if there is an issue with the subtitles, but it is extremely frustrating. Viewers leave wondering what they missed out on, and will feel like they would have connected more to certain characters, and moments, if subtitles were provided.
I.S.S. gives viewers intense and suspenseful moments while tensions are high between the astronauts and cosmonauts. The story itself is simple, but effective, as those watching will be wondering what is going to happen next, while simultaneously thinking about how this could easily happen in real life right now. The politics never feel shoved down your throat, which is nice.
The biggest issues with I.S.S. really are the choice to not include subtitles during certain key scenes (which are very long, mind you), the underusage of several actors (especially Ariana DeBose), and the hit or miss visuals. If you like thrillers, this might be worth a watch at home, once available on digital.
Rating: 2 out of 5
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About I.S.S.
Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling from this, the astronauts receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary.
Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, working with Nick Shafir’s Blacklist script, brings together a stellar cast that includes Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, Pilou Asbaek, John Gallagher Jr., Costa Ronin, and Masha Mashkova, in a high-stakes thriller set entirely in the confines of the I.S.S. as astronauts are called to duty in fateful and terrifying ways.
