Houston, Texas – “I.S.S.” is set to premiere in US theaters on January 19, offering a suspenseful and confined setting for a thriller. The film takes place on the International Space Station, featuring a mixed Russian-American crew. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, known for her work in documentaries, and written by Nick Shafir, the movie explores the tension between personal relationships and patriotic duties in a futuristic setting.
The story revolves around two newly arrived American astronauts, Kira and Christian, who join veteran Gordon on the space station. However, their peaceful mission quickly takes a turn when they receive ominous flashes from Earth and cryptic messages from their contacts on the ground, ordering them to seize control of the station.
With limited information and growing uncertainty, the astronauts start plotting their next moves. The film delves into the possibilities of Cold War-era paranoia in the modern world, incorporating the frostier interactions between the United States and Russia in recent times. This adds a layer of intrigue to the story as the astronauts grapple with their loyalty to their countries and their relationships with each other.
Despite its modest budget, “I.S.S.” manages to generate suspense through its claustrophobic setting. However, it falls short of fully delivering on its promising concept. With a small cast, it would have benefitted from more exposition to allow the audience to become more familiar with the characters before plunging them into a high-stakes scenario.
Ariana DeBose, known for her work in “West Side Story,” gives a solid performance within the limited scope of her character. The film’s special effects, reminiscent of “Gravity,” contribute to the tension but ultimately don’t compensate for the underdeveloped execution.
“In space, no one can hear you scream,” became an iconic phrase associated with the movie “Alien.” In “I.S.S.,” however, you can hear just fine. The film lacks the thrills that fans of the genre might expect, leaving them feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
“I.S.S.” premieres on January 19 in US theaters and is rated R. Despite its potential, the film falls short of reaching orbit in terms of its execution and delivery of suspense.