At last after much anticipation, Youtube sensation Markiplier’s debut feature length film has finally been released on the big screen. As a long time fan of Mark Fishbach, I along with the rest of his 38 million subscribers rushed to the theatre to watch Iron Lung this weekend. And let me say, it was worth it.
Iron Lung, an adaption of David Szymanski’s video game of the same title, is set in a distant future after a cataclysmic event that has left the world without stars. What is left of humanity, which is hardly anyone according to the movie’s opening narration, are trying to find a way to survive and save those who are left. The entire movie takes place inside a small submarine being descended to the bottom of an uncharted ocean of blood filled with creatures humanity has no information about. Our main character, played by Mark, is a man named Simon, a convict who is promised his freedom upon his return of the mission- which is to collect evidence and information of what lurks in the ocean.
Without giving away much of the story, I can tell you that this is one of the best video game adaptations I have ever seen. From the set design to the mechanics of the game to the costuming, there is no detail too small to be unincluded. This was truly a passion project funded and created by a number of people who love the game, namely Markiplier and Syzymaski. Mark directed, wrote and starred in this production which is an impressive feat considering this is also his debut movie as all three. He delivers though, bringing his vision to life through creative camera angles and a stellar performance as a man also descending into madness. The movie preys on the fear of the unknown and builds slowly to an explosive final act that leaves the viewer with many unanswered questions, adding to the unknown nature of both the sea of blood and the world outside it.
If you are planning on seeing this film, which I do recommend, I advise watching Mark play the game on his youtube channel before viewing. While the movie is stellar, it is absolutely made for fans- fans of Mark and the Game Iron lung specifically. I also agree with the general consensus that it has a rather long runtime, sitting over two hours, but that is truly the only thing lacking in this film. From the digital effects, to the sound and set design, everyone involved in this production made a phenomenal piece of work.
Iron Lung has grossed $3.5 million in domestic previews, reportedly has made $7 million in presales and is being projected to gross around $9-10 million in total. It has also rivaled Sam Raimi’s Send Help for #1 at the box office, all within it’s opening weekend. My final score upon first watch sits at about an 8.5/10, a hit in my books!
