Originally released in 2022, David Szymanski’s indie game quickly gained a following, with many YouTubers embracing it. Markiplier was one of them. I deliberately avoided the game, the playthroughs, and even most of the trailer once the adaptation was announced. I wanted to go in as blind as possible—and that decision paid off.
Seeing the film felt like an event. We dressed up and treated it like a premiere, which added to the fun. These days, it’s rare for me to experience a movie with no prior expectations, but Iron Lung allowed that.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future after “The Quiet Rapture,” the story follows a convict exploring a blood ocean on a desolate moon aboard a claustrophobic submarine known as the Iron Lung, searching for missing celestial bodies.
The more I reflect on the film, the more I appreciate it. Mark accomplished a lot with limited resources, especially in sound design. The audio work was exceptional—some of the most immersive I’ve experienced in a theater, with sound coming from all directions.
The setting deserves special praise. Much of the film takes place inside the Iron Lung itself, and the space feels fully realized—physical, worn-in, and tangible. In an era dominated by heavy CGI, this grounded approach was refreshing.
I was thoroughly engaged from start to finish. I didn’t always know where the story was heading, and while there were one or two moments of mild confusion, they didn’t detract from the overall experience. The performances across the board were solid and convincing.
I highly recommend Iron Lung. It’s a strong and memorable addition to the horror genre, and I’m excited to see what Mark does next.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
