Introduction & Overview
I.S.S. is an American science fiction thriller movie that was released in 2023. It was directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and written by Nick Shafir. The movie’s plot is set aboard the International Space Station during a period of global conflict. American and Russian astronauts have a history of working together, but what starts as a peaceful collaboration quickly turns into a gripping fight for survival, pushing strained politics and morality to the extreme in the coldest of warzones: space.
I.S.S. explores the juxtaposition of space as an otherworldly and hostile environment against the complexities of human bond and conflict, hence the phrase, when the world turns on itself, how long can “peace” last in orbit.
Plot Synopsis
The movie starts with American astronaut Dr. Kira Foster arriving at the International Space Station. For her, the station is like a new office of sorts. She is received by her American crewmates Commander Gordon Barrett and Christian Campbell. The team is composed of three Russian cosmonauts: Alexey Pulov, his brother Nicholai, and the scientist Weronika Vetrov. The crew members have a pleasant atmosphere, mixing cultural anecdotes and working on their shared scientific endeavors as well as meals.
Things change, however, when Earth faces a catastrophic conflict. From orbit, the station’s crew sees missiles and explosions, confirming a major war is underway between global powers. The crew is cut off from comms and not long later, both the American and Russian astronauts receive the same cryptic and chilling command from their governments, “Take control of the station by any means necessary.”
Aboard the station, the delicate peace is instantly destroyed. The crew members aboard the American and Russian spacecrafts turn on each other. While some members of the crew hesitate, others scramble into action, viewing hesitation as treachery. Intimate bonds are shattered as men and women of differing nations are pitted against one another.
Nicholai and Alexey’s conflict is the prime focus on the Russian side. While Alexey wonders how much of the orders they actually have to follow, Nicholai wants to follow orders more urgently. On the other hand, Kira hears from Weronika that she has been secretly conducting research on radiation sickness and has smuggled important research aboard the station. Weronika stashes the research in a compartment marked NODE0, aware that stashing it there may make it a bargaining chip or a violent reason.
Events start to spiral out of control when Gordon is sabotaged on a simple repair mission, leaving him adrift in space. This triggers a series of escalating confrontations that lead to Christian, who once hesitated, murdering Weronika under the assumption she was a threat. With Nicholai enacting vengeance, the space station is left in complete chaos.
In the final act, Alexey and Kira are the last survivors. Defeated on all fronts, the two are able to stabilize the space station, recover critical research data, and subsequently prep for evacuation in a Soyuz capsule. Kira, reflecting on the myriad of images she had witnessed during her journey, is asked where she is heading. Her response, “I don’t know” captures the essence of the reality waiting for them on Earth.
Cast & Performances
Dr. Kira Foster is played by Ariana DeBose, who anchors the film with a powerful and relatable performance. The emotional core of the film revolves around her transformation into a decisive survivor. Even under extreme pressure, she radiates resolve, empathy, and moral clearheadedness.
In the role of Commander Gordon Barrett, whose strict adherence to protocol leads him to a deadly clash, Chris Messina emphasizes the ethical leadership void amidst a storm of chaos.
Relatively junior in the cast, John Gallagher Jr. as Christian Campbell captures a man torn between conscience and responsibility. His violence-inducing choice is the turning point of the narrative and showcases the mental disintegration of the crew.
Notably, as a more seasoned performer, Pilou Asbæk stands out as Alexey Pulov the cosmonaut for his subtle yet characteristically rich performance. He epitomizes rare, cross-national compassion and is one of the very few to consider the morality of his commands.
More heroically, Costa Ronin playing Nicholai Pulov, Alexey’s younger brother, portrays a man growing more and more hawkish as the story develops. His bravado and violence increases the emotional intensity and complexity of the film.
As a scientist torn between ethics, duty and fear, Weronika Vetrov, is double-bound by her role and thus, Masha Mashkova’s character gives a more layered performance. Her subplot of secret research is a metaphor for the potential danger of knowledge and adds depth to the story.
Direction and Technical Elements
Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s direction emphasizes the claustrophobic tension within the character-driven conflict instead of action. She creates an intimate atmosphere within the microcosm of the space station that mirrors the growing psychological pressure of the characters.
The film simulates zero gravity quite well with spatial cinematography and wire-work. Objects and bodies within the station float in a drifty manner, and the lighting is muted. Mute lighting contributes to the station’s ghostly, suspended atmosphere. The production design reflects the space life’s stark, utilitarian isolation.
The score by Anne Nikitin adds subtle emotional tension to the film’s narrative. One specific and central to the film, “Winds of Change” by Scorpions, is used in an ironic way to underscore the disintegration of international cooperation.
Themes and Analysis
Nationalism vs. Humanity
The main conflict of the film explores how international collaboration is often volatile in the face of nationalistic competition. The ISS is transformed from a symbol of peaceful collaboration into a war zone as nations fight to control what is supposed to serve as a symbol of unity.
Trust and Betrayal
As members of the crew turn against one another, the film interrogates whether romantic relationships are possible under political commands. Moreover, trust is depicted as both a tool required to survive and a potential vulnerability.
Survival and Morality
The characters must make life-threatening decisions in the film such as to obey or defy orders, combat or surrender, and live or sacrifice for others. The film compels the audience to think about how morality shifts under the pressure of life and death situations.
Ambiguity of Resolution
The film’s uncertain descent to Earth reinforces that survival in the physical sense doesn’t provide clarity or inner peace. The film leaves the audience grappling with the unanswered questions of the psychological, ethical, and global ramifications that compose the true cost of war.
Critical Reception
Critics gave I.S.S. a mixed to positive review. Most reviewers highlighted the film’s thematic aspiration, praising the performances of DeBose and Asbæk. Although, some reviewers felt the plot and the character arcs became too predictable in the final suspenseful moments of the film. I.S.S. was recognized for its incredible atmosphere and with its short runtime of 90 minutes, the film was unable to delve into the deeper moral questions presented throughout the film.
Similarly, audience reactions were split in two. Some viewers felt that the film was a low-budget thriller with profound relevance to the world, while others deemed the film too simple and unsatisfactory with unanswered questions and a sense of incompleteness.
Conclusion
I.S.S. captivates audiences with its unique twist on the modern science fiction thriller, employing the confines of space to examine concepts such as nationalism, human morality, and the essence of humanity. I.S.S. demonstrates the toll that fear and obligation exact on trust through notable film performances and a taut narrative. I.S.S. proves that the dangers of war are not bound by gravity, and neither is the human conscience. While not perfect, the film still manages to captivate with its gravity defying suspense and timely message.
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