THE STORY – In a post-apocalyptic future after “The Quiet Rapture” event, a convict explores a blood ocean on a desolate moon using a submarine called the “Iron Lung” in search of scientific research and unknown monsters.
THE CAST – Markiplier, Caroline Rose Kaplan, Troy Baker, Elsie Lovelock, Elle LaMont, Seán McLoughlin & Isaac McKee
THE TEAM – Markiplier (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 127 Minutes
There are many aspects in life that can arise, which initiate the spark of creativity. Often, this process can incubate for a long time, allowing the germs of an idea to grow until they eventually manifest into a proper rendering. It’s a tale many filmmakers have gone through, and it’s a key motivating factor in making a debut feature. For Mark Fischbach, better known under his internet nom de plume Markiplier, this has been a track he’s been on for some time. He’s spent over a decade cultivating a dedicated audience that has grown fond of his streaming content, which primarily focuses on the playing of video games. One of those games caught Markiplier’s attention, and he’s dedicated a significant portion of his time and resources to completing this endeavor. Now, “Iron Lung” has finally been unveiled to the world. For those with a vested interest in his success, it’s been a joyful catharsis to see this passion project finally come to fruition. The final results, however, are rather tedious to endure.
The setting is a colonized planet in the distant future, following an apocalyptic event that has devastated the human race, leaving only a small number of struggling survivors. On one particular moon, a surface covered in oceans of blood, but beneath this liquid lies valuable research that could be consequential for our endangered species. Simon (Markiplier) is a convict who has been incarcerated due to his involvement with the destruction of a space station. He is forcibly charged with entering a welded submarine, known as the iron lung, and plunging into the depths of this moon to collect scientific information. Armed only with a crude navigation system and a powerful X-ray camera, he captures rudimentary data in hopes it will serve as some sort of penance. However, the longer he is confined, the more things start to unravel. A monstrous skeleton appears and begins wreaking havoc, while the dripping liquid and echoey noises loosen Simon’s grip on reality. He may soon discover a deeper secret that needs to be exposed, but the clock is running out, and he may not survive this encounter long enough to earn his freedom and deliver a startling truth.
Oddly, this is both an obvious choice and a difficult challenge to set for a first-time filmmaker. Most of the story takes place in a single location, and much of the action occurs off-screen or is inferred through sound design. It’s easier to ensure costs are down, and the simplified environment is sure to keep anything too ambitious for a modest budget at bay. At the same time, trying to make the narrative consistently engaging is another issue entirely. With the vast majority of the film set in a single cramped location, the final execution can feel tedious. Unfortunately, the latter often comes to fruition. Those who are heavily invested in the game’s history, or Markiplier’s YouTube channel, may find the atmosphere and sense of dread more intriguing. But for the uninitiated, the sluggish plotting is a chore to get through. The convoluted story is difficult to decipher, the vague characterizations are unfulfilling, and at over two hours, the pacing is brutal. Narratively speaking, there isn’t much to connect with that would deepen this world or create a more captivating landscape.
Still, Markiplier does show some potential as a director. The aura he crafts is meant to sell an uneasy claustrophobia, and the rusted interiors, dripping with condensation and worn-down equipment, effectively manifest a horrific setting. If presented with a tighter focus, the sequences intended to build anxious tension would land more effectively. The photography system flashes a haunting image on the screen after a delayed response, and the anticipation of seeing which ghostly creature will silently reveal itself is a testament to his ability to craft a frightful arena. There is an escalation in the finale that’s hard to fully connect with because the story is just too bombastic at that point, but it is impressive to see the sheer amount of blood and effects work that goes into creating the sustained set piece. It’s all a bit more sound and fury, with many loud instances that don’t leave much of a dramatic impression. But given the scale of the piece, there is something to be celebrated regarding his own ambitions to deliver an exciting climax. It’s a shame it struggles to create a greater impression, given the muddled storytelling.
There’s really only one performance showcased here, and it is Markiplier. Some very minor roles make appearances, either physically on screen or merely voice-over, but it’s pretty much him front and center. Again, it makes sense and does not feel like a stroke of ego, but more a necessity of the project itself. It’s a tricky element to judge his acting abilities effectively, because anyone who has seen his content will have a hard time separating the naturally charismatic persona he portrays online from a more intentionally calculated cinematic performance. Being one familiar with his previous work, it is difficult to buy into his performance completely. It doesn’t help that he’s occupying a vaguely defined character to begin with, and there’s a sense that even Markiplier would not credit himself as being the strongest performer. His role here is a means to an end. Still, given that the entire story centers on his character, one wishes a more accomplished actor had been given the reins to convey the emotionality at the heart of this role more successfully.
“Iron Lung” is a unique film in that its target audience is pretty specific. If you are familiar with the source material, you will be well-equipped to understand the narrative, which is considerably dense in some areas and frustratingly opaque in others. If you have been following Markiplier’s career, you will take immense joy in seeing a respected content creator fulfill his dreams in another creative endeavor. Maybe you will admire the project simply for being an independent production that came to fruition through the sheer willpower of a single individual who saw their vision through to the end. Those are all qualities that could make one appreciate this effort. For anyone who is not steeped in that knowledge, the final product is more difficult to invest in. While Markiplier shows some promise behind the camera, he can’t overcome the grueling pacing and stifled atmosphere, not to mention the weight of his own lackluster performance. One can personally admire the triumph he has managed to pull off, but the final results were less than desirable. Hopefully, this encourages an even more polished effort on the next go-around.
