New Space Thriller ‘I.S.S.’ Will Send Your Anxiety Flying Out of Orbit

Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) has just arrived aboard the space station with her companion, Christian Campbell (John Gallagher Jr.). She’s the newest researcher to join a group of scientists and astronauts aboard the International Space Station — three from the United States and three from Russia. Each individual has their own assignment catered to their specialty. Starting a new job and getting to know your co-workers is hard. Living in close quarters in space and learning to steer while floating around is one of many challenges you’ll face.

Before Kira has time to learn the ropes, an act of war breaks out on Earth that can be seen from space. Before communications go dark, as the inhabitants of the I.S.S. gaze at what appears to be the aftermath of a nuclear explosion, each team receives an order to take control of the space station by any means necessary. This message is the catalyst that sets off a chain of unexpected events incited by paranoia and mistrust.

Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite utilizes specific ingredients that make this film a successful thriller. The isolated setting in space, devoid of immediate assistance in case of emergency, intensifies the suspense. Every time they looked out of a window, and I saw the distance from where they were to Earth, I took a sip of my stress relief tea. The cultural disparities between the two teams, heightened by political tensions on Earth, serve as an additional layer of complexity.

Cowperthwaite uses the space within the craft well and moves the audience through an array of emotions within the film’s tight runtime. While you might think you know where the film will end, I guarantee the journey is filled with moments you never see coming.

DeBose is a powerhouse on the stage, but it’s nice to see her stripped down in a role that allows her acting to have the spotlight. The Academy Award winner delivered an authentic performance, making Kira’s character relatable. Viewers may find resonance with Kira in how she navigates the uncharted territory of this scenario. She appears delicate but is still determined to survive. And with political tensions rising in reality, one would hope that people would embody her perspective.

Each performance in the film is equally great, which makes me wish the film had more time to allow each character to stretch a little more. Chris Messina, Costa Ronin, Masha Mashkova, and Pilou Asbæk contribute to the cast, and although I appreciate a short runtime, this film could have stood to be a smidge longer.

I.S.S. is a concise thriller that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It presents a straightforward narrative yet skillfully builds suspense around very plausible scenarios, at least for those aboard space crafts.

I.S.S. is now playing in theaters.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars