In the vast expanse of the International Space Station (I.S.S.), where historic hostilities between Russia and the United States hang in the air, “I.S.S.” unfolds as a gripping low-wattage thriller. With three Americans, three Russians, and one cramped office suspended 250 miles above Earth, the stage is set for a suspenseful narrative.
Introduction: Aboard the I.S.S.
As the 95-minute film kicks off, the arrival of space newcomer Kira Foster, portrayed by the talented Ariana DeBose, injects a sense of optimism. Hailing from Russia on a Soyuz rocket, Kira, along with the affable American astronaut Christian (John Gallagher Jr.), steps onto the station. Her mission involves studying mice, charmingly referred to as “my little guys.” However, early signs, like the station’s life-support system and floating mice tails-up, foreshadow imminent disturbances.
The Atmosphere: A Claustrophobic Pressure Cooker
Nick Shafir’s screenplay and Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s direction swiftly establish the I.S.S. as a cluttered warren, a claustrophobic pressure cooker floating in eerie weightlessness. The ambiance intensifies as ominous red alarms flash early and often, creating an environment ripe for suspense and anticipation. A Russian colleague’s grim warning to Kira further heightens expectations.
Unraveling Drama: Watchable Yet Predictable
Despite twists in the plot, the ensuing drama remains consistently watchable, if somewhat unsurprising. Director Cowperthwaite efficiently maneuvers the pieces within the confined space of the I.S.S., amplifying tension through communication failures, worrisome Earthly signals, and the escalating concern of both American and Russian crews.
Character Dynamics: The Unfolding Peril
As the situation worsens, the characters, including the third American Gordon (Chris Messina) and Russian astronauts Weronika (Masha Mashkova) and Nicholai (Costa Ronin), face a progressively dire scenario. Cowperthwaite adeptly plays with constricted spaces, surveillance imagery, and shots of both outer space and the orbiting station, underscoring the exotic setting and enhancing the slow-boiling sense of peril.
Ariana DeBose’s Narrative Axis: The Heroic Journey
DeBose’s portrayal of Kira Foster stands out as a narrative axis, bringing warmth and charisma to the guarded space newcomer. The performer’s nuanced performance makes Kira’s character more complex than her given backstory. From early close-ups to hovering camerawork, it’s evident that Kira is set to become the hero of this adventure.
Conclusion: The Space Warrior’s Odyssey
As “I.S.S.” unfolds, it prompts questions about the type of space warrior Kira must evolve into to navigate the mounting challenges. Despite the far-out milieu, the unfolding drama resonates with the familiar themes of humanity’s best and worst, reminiscent of confined settings like submarines. In this enjoyable yet somewhat predictable thriller, DeBose’s compelling performance leaves audiences intrigued about the untold facets of Kira’s space odyssey.
