As the movie by YouTube legend Markiplier and the second video game adaptation of 2026, “Iron Lung” is a horrifyingly atmospheric film that exemplifies the fear of the unknown but still lags behind in storytelling. This movie is a massive accomplishment both for the indie genre and for Markiplier, who directed and starred in the film, with his passion oozing from every scene. Although the film isn’t flawless, it’s impossible to tell it had a $3 million budget by the way it uses its masterful cinematography and engaging premise. Also, this review is spoiler-free.
“Iron Lung” takes place in a desolate sci-fi setting, following the story of convict Simon, who is played by Markiplier. With an apocalyptic event wiping out every habitable planet in the universe, Simon is tasked with exploring a blood ocean on a barren moon for potentially valuable resources. With nothing but a rusty submarine, he must traverse the red waters, only to find he isn’t alone in the depths.
Let’s get one thing clear: I am a Markiplier SUPERFAN. I’ve followed this movie ever since it was announced, and I even called a local movie theater to advocate for “Iron Lung’s” distribution. I’ve been a proud subscriber since I was five years old — this guy taught me my first cuss word! Although I’m clearly biased and would’ve loved this movie no matter the quality, there are still some negatives that stood out to me while watching.
This movie’s big issue is simple: It’s too long. With a two-hour runtime and the entire movie taking place in one location, it gets pretty boring in the first half. Faithful to the original gameplay, Simon basically does chores around the submarine without much to keep your attention, making the entire film a slow burn. I found myself drifting off more than once. If this movie trimmed off half an hour, it would have been a perfect film.
That being said, the atmosphere and soundtrack are phenomenal. Each scene is filled with dread, creating a feeling that Simon is completely helpless in his situation. The submarine’s rusty interior is packed with detail and clever camera shots that emphasize Simon’s absolute oppression. “Iron Lung” is a refreshing approach to the horror genre, using suspense, sight and sound instead of the jump scares and gore we’ve become accustomed to.
However, Markiplier’s acting is just solid. As the film goes on, you can tell he’s getting more comfortable playing the role of a distraught space convict. During the first half of the movie, his acting is nothing notable, and his line deliveries are a little lacking. During the second half, however, the raw emotion he brings is astounding, giving the film the suspense it needs as it reaches its climax — definitely up there with Hollywood stars. With the movie confined to one room and mostly one character, he had giant shoes to fill, and I’d say he did.
“Iron Lung” is a spectacle to behold. It’s amazing to see my childhood hero on the big screen, branching out into mainstream media and bringing big corporations to shame. This film gleams with Markiplier’s love, care and attention to detail — qualities that feel rare in today’s films. The movie is not without its flaws, which may bore impatient viewers and those uninterested in psychological horror. However, if you’re a Markiplier fan like me, or if you just want to watch a satisfying horror flick, you’ll absolutely be amazed, and I’d recommend this movie to you.
