In a bold move that underscores the shifting paradigms of modern culture, online gaming legend Mark Fischbach, widely recognised as Markiplier, has ventured into the cinematic realm with Iron Lung. This independently financed horror film, which has quietly infiltrated multiplexes without the fanfare typical of major releases, represents a visceral leap from digital streaming to the big screen, appealing directly to his massive online following.
A New Frontier for Digital Creators
William Goldman's timeless showbiz adage that nobody knows anything rings truer than ever in this era, as Iron Lung challenges traditional filmmaking norms. Markiplier, approaching the horror genre from a fresh angle by adapting Dave Szymanski's eponymous space-submarine simulation game, lands on a narratively familiar trope: an astronaut pushed beyond his limits, evoking comparisons to Moon but in a dimmer, more claustrophobic light.
Plot and Production Shortcomings
The film centres on Simon, a straggle-haired convict portrayed by Fischbach, who pilots a grimy and squalid spacecraft on a vague intergalactic mission. As he navigates this deathtrap, completing nebulous tasks such as ramming objects or downloading data, the experience mirrors a harried parent ticking off a Sunday to-do list, albeit in a far more perilous setting. However, hopes for Iron Lung to emerge as a new Dark Star are quickly dashed by its depressive tone, leaden pacing, and a near-total absence of visual spectacle.
Critics argue that the production feels akin to a radio-play script, forced to rely heavily on exposition because it has little to show visually. This barebones approach, while perhaps an admirably perverse entrepreneurial achievement—steering audiences toward content that makes Solaris seem like Con Air—falls short in converting a short film's worth of plot into a compelling feature-length experience.
Performance and Future Prospects
Despite these flaws, Fischbach demonstrates a steady presence before the camera, even if the film suffers from what some describe as a major case of Main Character Syndrome, relegating co-stars to offscreen voices. His performance suggests potential for growth, with prospects for more funding and elaborate sets likely on the horizon. Yet, the dramatic heavy lifting required to sustain interest over two-plus hours proves challenging, highlighting a gap between online charisma and cinematic storytelling.
In contrast to other digital creators like MrBeast, whose stunts often venture outdoors, Iron Lung remains confined to its sparse, interior setting, amplifying its sense of isolation. Currently screening in cinemas, this film serves as a testament to the evolving landscape where online influence meets traditional media, albeit with mixed results.
