Sci-Fi Thriller ‘I.S.S.’ (2024) – Movie Review

The new science fiction thriller I.S.S. (2024) hits theaters this week and I got the pleasure of an advance screening. Should you head to the movies this weekend and check it out? I guess you will have to keep reading to see my thoughts. 

Synopsis

The crew aboard the International Space Station are brought together from the United States and Russia to conduct groundbreaking research. In the process friendships are formed and everything was harmonious until war breaks out on earth. This results in tensions to flare that challenges loyalty to friendships or country.

I.S.S. (2024) is directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and written by Nick Shafir. The movie stars Ariana DeBose (Wish, 2023), Chris Messina (The Boogeyman, 2023), John Gallagher Jr. (Gone in the Night, 2022), Masha Mashkova, Costa Ronin (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 2019), and Pilou Asbaek (Uncharted, 2022). 

Here’s a look at the trailer!

My Thoughts

I.S.S. is visually stunning. The cinematography and effects engulf you in the amazement of viewing the world from space. At the same time, it creates a feeling of unease from the desolation and vulnerability of being in that perspective. 

I.S.S. provides an intriguing story. It ponders the ethics and morality of mankind when faced with adversity. When the catastrophic events start happening on earth the crew has to decide whether to remain united based on friendships and bonds or divide for loyalty to their countries. The foreshadowing and unfolding of this plot was tension-building. 

After initially viewing I.S.S. my criticism of the film was a lack of character development. There felt like a rush to get to the action and chaos instead of showing this solid base amongst these characters. After more pondering on the film it occurred to me that it made sense to unfold the story that way because the movie is from Kira (Ariana DeBose), the main character’s perspective. She came in as a new member of the team who would have not witnessed or been part of that character development and bonding. 

I.S.S. (2024) is in theaters on January 19, 2024. Check it out and let us know what you think. 

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