The independent horror film “Iron Lung,” featuring the popular YouTube star Mark Fischbach, better known as Markiplier, has made its debut in theaters, surprisingly without the typical marketing blitz one would expect for a project of its kind. As a prominent figure in the gaming community, Fischbach’s transition to the screen intrigues fans who have eagerly awaited his foray into film. This shift underscores a larger trend in culture, moving distinctly online, which the film represents in its unique way.
“Iron Lung” offers a fresh take on the horror genre by adapting the space-submarine simulation game created by Dave Szymanski. However, it ultimately falls back on a familiar narrative of an astronaut lost in the vastness of space, drawing comparisons to films like “Moon.” Fischbach portrays Simon, a convict piloting a dilapidated craft that reflects the chaotic nature of a teenager’s bedroom. This visual metaphor reinforces a sense of confinement and existential dread as Simon navigates a series of vaguely defined tasks, akin to the mundanity of everyday life.
Despite the film’s ambitious premise, it struggles with pacing and a lack of engaging spectacle. The atmosphere leans heavily towards despair, offering little in the way of entertainment value, and resembling more of a radio-play script than a fully realized cinematic experience. Critics have pointed out that it seems to be missing the necessary elements to elevate the story into a compelling feature-length film. The production’s stripped-back nature may be a testament to Fischbach’s entrepreneurial spirit, yet it simultaneously highlights the challenges of expanding a simple concept into a longer format.
While “Iron Lung” might not reach the heights of a cult favorite like “Dark Star,” it remains an intriguing exploration into the horror genre for Markiplier’s fans. As he gains experience in filmmaking, there’s hope that future projects will benefit from larger budgets and more expansive storytelling. Markiplier’s venture into this medium showcases his commitment to creating content for his audience, even if this particular entry doesn’t fully land.