The theme in the film I.S.S. is a science fiction end of the world fight for domination and although you can rightly see the idea, making it realistic had many disappointments. That said, the cinematography, choreography and sets are very good and along with the CGI/artistry is amusing. However, it’s really up to the fans as whether this thriller will stand up to the likes of other outer space motion pictures.
Two astronauts arrive at the International Space Station on a routine exchange of scientists. Greeted by the four that remained on board, the team is comprised of three Americans and three Russians, 4 men and two women. Bringing the newcomers up to date on their duties, the crew settles in to make the research a routine for the scientists that will be their several months before another exchange. Things go expected, with only minor problems of communications because of their language differences.
Just when all is “work as usual”, one of the Americans sees a disturbance on Earth in what looks like a catastrophic explosion. Thinking it just anomaly at first everything settles down until once it happens again. A message is relayed to the Americans that the space station must be taken over by any means possible as a matter of prime importance. With the whole crew on edge they lose contact with Earth that has now become a fireball with half the world on fire. With this a battle of wits and strength ensues aboard the space station.
Working with a difficult storyline and with Europe and the Mideast having wars in real time, bringing the fight to space could become a reality someday. Although director Gabriela Cowperthwaite does get us into space and makes the International Space Station a bit credible, the storyline she is working with borders more on fantasy than credibility. Unlike other space thrillers that take place on their huge space craft, I.S.S. film sets are too close together to make the separation of powers possible. Setting that aside, I also feel either the director didn’t know how to end the film or part of the deal was that the screenwriter Nick Shafir would have final say in ending the film with a meaningless twist.
I.S.S. has been rated R by the MPAA for some violence and language. For the fan base that are die hard sci-fi lovers, it’s not your cup of tea. For those who just want to take their minds to another place and time, it’s entertaining.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Ariana DeBose, John Gallagher Jr., Masha Mashkova, Pilou Asbæk, Costa Ronin, Chris Messina
Directed by: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for some violence and language
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Release Date: January 19, 2023
Distributed by: Bleecker Street Films
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
