Indie Bloodbath: Iron Lung

It's rare that a video game movie actually feels like a video game, but Markiplier's breakout indie smash hit, Iron Lung hits every mark. 

SCORE: 8/10

Fischbach has a massive amount of potential to go on to create more feature-length films outside of YouTube, and no one could've predicted the major success of the film with the circumstances it was originally in, with the original planning for the film being a limited-theatre run of about 60-70 theatres before it was slotted to be in thousands of theatres across the globe. It's a shame we didn't have Fischbach to direct the Five Nights at Freddy's films, too.

This is a spoiler free review - no caution needed.

Entirely produced, funded, directed, and written by Fischbach himself, Iron Lung is one of the most impressive filmmaking feats the movie industry has had in a long time; it's hugely professional and looks like a major studio creation despite being a work of indie prowess, and a one-man team has never worked so well. All of the support towards the film are credited accordingly right from the start, with even the hair and makeup crew getting a slot in the film's opening credits. It's refreshing to see credit given where credit is due - and this film shows just how good of a person Markiplier truly is; he's one of the stars that deserves the fame he has worked towards, and it was a nostalgia hit for many being able to see an iconic YouTuber on the big screen, starring in a film about a game he once played. 

Our small theatre was packed for the film - it was without a doubt the most people I had seen in our theatre, and it was an exceptional theatre experience. The movie starts abruptly and hooks you in immediately, the dialogue is sparse, yet intense; and the acting performances are absolutely phenominal. Few movies are as instantly intense and claustrophobic as this one is, and despite a very long runtime in the same space, it works over incredibly well while expanding on its source material and creating something new, refreshing, and entirely unique.

The movie itself is very interestingly colored, with the darkest film register I have ever seen. The entire movie is dark, making the scenes of bright images feel that much more intense and adding to the atmosphere-driven film. The entire movie is massively atmospheric and it builds up on that, and each slow drive of a moment leads to the eventual finale of the movie. Few films use so much slow pacing, leaving you wondering what's next and feeling as if you are on the journey with the protagonist. It's a massively stylized film that stays consistent and keeps a general idea in mind, but doesn't reveal it until later. The moments of action are spaced out and leave a thrilling level of chilling horror elements throughout, and the scattered story is something that is exciting to piece together. 

Surprisingly enough, there are a good amount of comedic moments that make the main character feel more real and dynamic, and the dialogue in the film is incredible. Atmosphere is built up even more through the intense, incredible score for the entire runtime of the film, Fischbach worked directly with the developer of the game, meaning that it is hugely faithful and accurate to the source material; with the direct approval from the man behind the indie video game. This film worked as major advertising for the game, and it's something that I want to play without a doubt. 

The dark and unsettling film comes to a closure with a highly intense final act - and it's one of the most interesting horror releases we will get this year without a doubt. 

Iron Lung is chilling and immersive as soon as it starts, and this is a film that should be experienced in theatres - because it truly is an experience. The pacing is unique and full of depth, using a slow, gradual telling of the story to create something thrilling. It's a film that will truly leave you on the edge of your seat, and everything is wildly unpredictable; go into this one blind - you won't regret it.