Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling, the U.S. and Russian astronauts receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary.
The International Space Station is a rare joint enterprise where the United States and Russia work together, with astronauts/cosmonauts from the respective countries (and others) live and carry out research together. In ‘I.S.S.’ that forms the perfect premise for a movie that explores what might happen if the situation between the countries on earth deteriorates, creating a ripple effect that involves the inhabitants of the space station. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (best known for the documentary ‘Blackfish’), ‘I.S.S.’ uses the claustrophobic setting of the space station to craft a tidy thriller that explores this premise.
The movie follows 3 American astronauts and 3 Russian cosmonauts, with Ariana DeBose’s newcomer Kira our main viewpoint into the story. She’s joined by Gordon (Chris Messina) and Christian (John Gallagher Jr.), while the Russians are comprised of brothers Nicholai (Costa Ronin) and Alexey (Pilou Asbæk), and Weronika (Masha Mashkova), who we soon learn is in a relationship with Gordon. They all get along well until one day, they notice a series of seismic explosions over the United States, with it becoming clear that Russia has launched a nuclear attack on the United States. When their respective governments request that the space station is taken under national control, it sows distrust and pits the previously friendly individuals against each other.
If you enjoy claustrophobic space set thrillers then there are elements to enjoy here, even if it isn’t really doing anything original with the premise and unfolds much as you’d expect. ‘I.S.S.‘ is a film that sits very much in the middle of the road in all respects, and it’s a little disappointing that it doesn’t do more with what is undoubtedly an intriguing narrative setup.
Rating: 3/5
Directed By: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Starring: Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, John Gallagher Jr., Masha Mashkova, Costa Ronin and Pilou Asbæk
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