Chapter 1: Introduction to I.S.S.

The film I.S.S. emerged on my radar unexpectedly, sparking a keen interest in its unique premise. Although I had heard murmurs about its controversial ending prior to watching, I decided to give it a chance. Indeed, I found myself agreeing with the criticisms regarding the conclusion. Nonetheless, the movie proved to be an engaging, low-budget thriller that kept me entertained throughout. While the ending may frustrate many viewers, there are compelling reasons to still recommend it.

The plot centers around Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) and her team of three Americans and three Russians aboard the International Space Station. As they witness nuclear detonations occurring on Earth, the two factions are tasked with seizing control of the station, leading to rising tensions and a palpable divide. This intriguing scenario had me hooked from the outset, and I found myself invested in the characters, eagerly anticipating their fates. The film's practical sets and budgetary constraints were utilized effectively, enhancing the immersive experience, though I did wish for a more conclusive narrative.

The film adeptly places viewers in the characters' shoes, eliciting a sense of urgency and uncertainty. However, it occasionally lingers in this space without providing a satisfactory resolution. Although there is an outcome to the events aboard the station, I was left dissatisfied by the film's final moments, which felt abrupt and unresolved. It seemed as though the filmmakers struggled to craft a definitive conclusion, resulting in a lack of clarity. While I appreciate ambiguous storytelling, in this instance, it felt overly vague, leaving little sense of closure.

The film is a tightly wound 90-minute thriller set in a confined space, with commendable performances from the cast. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite skillfully steers the narrative, but I find myself eager to pose some questions to writer Nick Shafir. After researching, I discovered that this is his debut project, making it difficult for me to draw comparisons. I suspect that the choice to conclude the story as he did was deliberate; however, I struggle to comprehend the rationale behind it. Despite my reservations about the ending, I found the overall experience enjoyable. While it may resonate with some viewers, it didn’t quite work for me. Still, I encourage others to give I.S.S. a chance, as it is currently showing in theaters.

Rating: 3/5

Chapter 2: Trailer and Additional Insights

Check out the trailer below for a glimpse into the thrilling world of I.S.S.