The Mosley Review: I.S.S.
Most would probably agree that films set in outer space that are not a biopic, sci-fi action, fantasy, horror or apart of a major franchise, tend to be more on the quieter and somewhat boring side. Don't get me wrong, I love a good outer space film and many have come along that were actually thrilling. Gravity and 2017's Life are two of my recent favorites and is a good litmus test of the range of the genre. So going into this film, I was interested in the premise of a more confined living space and how two groups of astronauts from different walks of life would react to a situation thousands of miles below them. From the beginning, I connected with both groups and their conversations felt real and loving with the right amount of strain. Once the real threat happens and their dedication their countries comes into question and turns the film into a plotting and sometimes intense thriller. The pacing during one scene in particular was a bit stagnant and the characters could've said less to get the objective across.
Ariana DeBose was excellent and engaging as Dr. Kira Foster. She was pretty much the center piece of the film and through her eyes you experience the American side of the conflict. I loved her genuine love for people and I liked that she kept her head on straight in the middle of the crisis. John Gallagher Jr. is always great and as Christian Campbell, he was fun and perfectly worrisome. His immediate chemistry with Kira in the opening minutes of the film set up their friendship perfectly. Chris Messina was great as the leading American astronaut Gordon Barrett and I loved that he wasn't determined to keep everyone on task. He may come off as brash at times, but he was always welcoming. Maria Mashkova was wonderful and strong as Weronika Vetrov. Her chemistry with Gordon was one of the shining moments of the film and I liked their little not so hidden romance. Costa Ronin and Pilou Asbæk as brothers Nicholai and Alexey Pulov, were both excellent in their own ways. Nicholai had a edge to him and was willing to do anything for his country, but he still loved his brother. Alexey really was the center point of the Russian team and I loved him the most. Pilou has this uncanny ability to bounce between the most cunning villain in other films and he could be the most charismatic and heartfelt person in the room with just his eyes. He was the latter in the film and I was so relieved to see him bring that part of him out.
The score by Anne Nikitin was serviceable and hits at the right moments of tension, shock and horror. Visually the film may be sterile because of the story being centered in one place, but the geography of the space station was well mapped out. The sense of claustrophobia is clear and adds to the constantly growing tension. The moments we do get to spend out in space were beautiful and terrifying as you're looking down on a burning planet. For such a small and simple story, I enjoyed this bite sized thriller and it doesn't overstay its welcome. Its definitely a fun matinee film. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
