The world is on the brink of catastrophe. Between war, genocide and rising conflicts here in the U.S. and abroad, it feels as if we’re one poor calculation from total annihilation. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s new film, I.S.S., taps into that anxiety as a tense bottle film that doesn’t all work, but delivers a timely message we’d do well to listen to; humanity can either work together as human beings, or let the politics of a few be a consequence for all. Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) has just arrived for her first stint on the I.S.S. (the International Space Station), manned by a team of three Russians and three Americans, including herself. While their nations are enemies, the group works together as one with a common goal to advance our civilization. In space, they are more than co-workers; they are friends. That is, until war breaks out and they witness bombings scorching the Earth. Unbeknownst to the Russians, the Americans receive a single order before communications are cut off; take the I.S.S. by any means necessary. Did the Russians receive the same? Unable to know for sure, paranoia begins to split the seams of the tight-knit group, setting the stage for a “strike first” mentality that turns friends into enemies. Throughout the first act, Cowperthwaite paints a picture of humanity at our best. The moment Kira arrives, there is an infectious comradery amongst the characters that fills the screen with warmth. Alexey (Pilou Asbaek) gives off strange vibes, but other than that, Kira is welcomed with open arms. As Russian Weronika (Masha Mashkova) mentions, “the important thing is that we stick together”. They are “one” on the I.S.S., imbued with the mindset that what’s mine is yours. One memorable scene has Kira gaze upon the Earth from the station’s viewing port, in which the filmmaker allows us to experience the same “overview effect” as the characters, that magical feeling that from space, Earth has no borders. The station reflects that peaceful concept, from a romantic relationship between Weronika and American captain, Gordon (Chris Messina), to his own friendship with Russian captain, Nicholai (Costa Ronin). American Christian (John Gallagher Jr.) even arrives with thoughtful gifts specific to each crew member. Engaging performances from the cast make these characters feel like good, genuine people, setting up for utter heartbreak later on. Once war erupts on Earth, the lights dim, silence fills the air, and I.S.S. transforms into a dread-filled nail-biter. Cowperthwaite incorporates an alien sound design that clicks, hisses and groans, hammering home the crumbling trust amongst the characters. Nick Remy Matthews’ cinematography does nothing to ease the tension either, often using up close and personal framing to make the setting seem even more claustrophobic. There’s a complete distortion of the once joyful reality on the I.S.S. as the camera floats, twists and turns things upside down at times to imply the way everything the characters thought they knew about each other has flipped. Through it all, Cowperthwaite displays a superb understanding of tension, often drawing out conflict for maximum intensity. Nick Shafir’s script undercuts the suspense a bit by revealing some answers too early, but the direction consistently drags you to the edge of your seat, anyway. There’s a strong emphasis on the theme of teamwork in I.S.S., to such a degree that the plot occasionally feels secondary to the message. As a result, it won’t be difficult for more experienced viewers to see various twists and turns coming at them like a meteor. But that doesn’t take anything away from the impact of said events. What I.S.S. lacks in surprise, it more than makes up for in gut-wrenching devastation. For all of the suspense and horror, there’s an overwhelming sadness that permeates throughout the film. No death is inconsequential. Every loss is painful, and is treated as such. Cowperthwaite and Shafir want the audience to grieve over humanity’s deceit and willingness to destroy each other to save ourselves, and oh boy, do they succeed. I.S.S. is a necessary film for this moment. Humanity has found itself on a course straight into a black hole we may not be able to escape from. Films like this are why we have movies, so that audiences can perhaps learn something about ourselves and others through art. I.S.S. isn’t just a riveting space thriller, but a plea for us to listen to one another before striking for a change. This is a film everyone should see, if only for the hope that we take away a greater appreciation for human life and this fragile Earth that we share. I.S.S. arrives in theaters January 19th from Bleecker Street. By Matt Konopka
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