Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) has released his first full-length feature film into theatres across the world–an adaption of David Szymanski’s indie game, “Iron Lung.” Mark has worked on previous film projects for his YouTube channel, including “Who Killed Markiplier” and two “choose your own adventure” features called “A Heist With Markiplier” and “In Space With Markiplier” along with several other short films and series. Originally only meant to release in 50 theatres across America, fans helped “Iron Lung” reach over four thousand theatres across America, Europe and Australia. Mark urged fans to donate blood in honor of the movie as well, as there is currently a blood shortage.
The film follows the plot of the game, showing Simon (played by Fischbach), a convict, on a mission for freedom. It takes place in a universe where “every known star and habitable planet vanished, leaving only those who were on space stations or starships.” After the discovery of a planet made entirely of a sea of blood, Simon is sent in a submarine deemed “The Iron Lung” to attempt to find resources to assist humanity. Convicts are sent on these expeditions as an excuse for a death sentence–researchers are aware they are unlikely to survive this expedition, so they send criminals deemed worthy of the death penalty on this mission. They promise freedom if they come back alive.
Through this expedition, Simon figures out he is not the first person sent down in a submarine, and that he may not be alone in this ocean of blood in a universe of dead stars. Much of the horror of “Iron Lung” comes from the fear of the unknown and the suspense of what is to come. The situation we see Simon in is meant to mess with your head and make you say, “That’s screwed up.” The movie focuses primarily on the fear of the incomprehensible and the unknown, and less on jumpscares and shock value. This is a concept primarily referred to as cosmic or eldritch horror, a genre popularized by H.P. Lovecraft and his story “The Call of Cthulhu.”
I believe “Iron Lung” was a fantastic film, and even better on a rewatch. I would urge anyone interested in cosmic or psychological horror to give the film a try, because it is an incredible experience.
As a longtime fan of Markiplier, I can ensure many of us are proud of him as well.
