IRON LUNG - - Locked in a Bloody Box with Markiplier (NOT CLICKBAIT)

Review by Steve Barton II

Since its launch in 2005, YouTube has grown exponentially as an entertainment platform and a hub of many cultures. It has also grown several household stars who end up penetrating the more traditional media channels like music, television and film. While there have been plenty of abysmal misses like Logan Paul’s Airplane Mode, Not Cool from Shane Dawson or Smosh The Movie, Iron Lung is a fresh pizza on top of the garbage pile! Iron Lung was originally a short video game released in 2022 and it quickly grew in popularity, especially after Mark Fischbach (a.k.a. Markiplier) uploaded himself playing the game to his YouTube channel. About a year after the initial game’s release, Mark announced that he’d be adapting Iron Lung into his first theatrical feature film. Nearly three years later, we’ve officially dove deep into the blood ocean!

Iron Lung was directed, edited, self financed and stars Markiplier as The Convict who is encased in a small, metal submarine forced to dive in the blood ocean. Due to the world being in a post-apocalyptic state, his task is to recover rare materials beneath the blood that are vital for the survival of the human race. While we do hear a few familiar voices from other YouTube personalities Valkyrae and Jacksepticeye, it’s mostly Mark on screen for the entire 2 hour runtime. His dramatic acting is hit and miss, but it would’ve been stronger without an expletive for every other word.

Due to the simple plot, the story is mostly contained to one set and it aids in the overall feeling of being trapped, claustrophobic and alone. The set itself was actually a 9,000 pound box that was built on a rig, so the crew was able to manipulate the entire set to create some of the chaos at the climax. With the practical blood and a few other effects added to the mix, the setting of Iron Lung is eerie and effective. Unlike a few recent releases, Iron Lung also uses CGI well, especially in the darker moments. 

While Iron Lung is an enjoyable experience, it’s a very slow burn in the beginning and many people looking for a science fiction horror like Alien might be fleeing for the exit sign early. There are a few scenes where the dialogue is almost completely drowned out by the musical score, so another pass on the sound mix would’ve been extremely beneficial. The dialogue does have realistic qualities, especially for a person in The Convict’s case but it feels too improvised. Someone directing Mark during the more demanding dramatic moments would’ve greatly improved his performance. 

In the end, Iron Lung is a solid first outing for a YouTube creator breaking into the film world. Markiplier was able to adapt the simple, short plot into a 2+ hour tension-fueled adventure. The film has its fair share of faults, but Mark shows promise with some creative ideas behind the camera. Strap in for the slow ride in Iron Lung and you’ll be rewarded with oceans of gore! 

Iron Lung is in theaters January 30th!

Rating: 3.5/5