Markiplier’s ‘Iron Lung’ Movie: A Promising Concept That Struggles with Pacing and Character Depth

In the growing trend of YouTubers transitioning into filmmaking, Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) joins the ranks with his directorial debut in Iron Lung, a psychological horror film based on the indie video game of the same name. While the move from digital content to a big-screen venture is becoming increasingly common—think of creators like Danny and Michael Philippou, who went on to direct Talk to Me—Markiplier’s foray into cinema brings both intriguing elements and noticeable missteps.

The film, which sees Markiplier both in front of and behind the camera, represents a leap from his established YouTube career into the serious realm of filmmaking. With Iron Lung, Fischbach aimed for an immersive, slow-burn experience that captures the intense isolation and tension seen in the video game. However, despite promising atmospheric choices, the film struggles under the weight of its pacing and limited character exploration.

Iron Lung: A Movie That Takes Its Time

The premise of Iron Lung is captivating, with its haunting sci-fi setting and looming sense of dread. In the film, Simon (played by Fischbach), a convict seeking redemption, is tasked with a mission that takes him into the heart of a mysterious ocean of blood on a distant moon. This mission involves investigating an alien fossil, but things quickly take a dark turn, drawing Simon into a web of personal loss and existential horror. As Simon tries to complete his mission within the confined space of a small submarine, he confronts not only the mysteries of the ocean but also his own past mistakes.

While the plot sounds promising, the movie itself takes its time to unfold, with a slow-burning tension that may turn off some viewers. Clocking in at over two hours, Iron Lung feels like a drawn-out journey that could have benefited from a tighter runtime. There are numerous long sequences of Simon alone in the submarine, fiddling with machinery, interacting with the submarine’s limited technology, and reflecting on his tragic past. Though these moments aim to build suspense, they ultimately stretch the film thin, making it feel more like an endurance test than an engaging cinematic experience.

Fischbach’s Directorial Ambitions and the Experimentation with Dread

Markiplier’s ambition as a filmmaker is evident in Iron Lung, but it’s clear that this movie is more of an experiment than a polished, conventional horror film. Fischbach’s background in creating interactive digital experiences helps him conjure up a pervasive sense of dread. The use of black-and-white imagery, along with haunting visuals of creatures lurking in the ocean, adds a sense of claustrophobia and terror. The film is, in many ways, a visual attempt to convey the same eerie atmosphere of the indie game, where players are left isolated, staring at a computer screen and trying to navigate through the tension.

However, despite Fischbach’s ability to create a foreboding mood, Iron Lung falters when it comes to developing a deeper emotional connection. The attempts to flesh out Simon’s character and his backstory feel forced, and the lack of interaction with other characters makes his journey feel overly monotonous. While the character’s dread is palpable, there is a lack of emotional weight behind it, as Simon’s tragic past and complex motivations don’t resonate as strongly as intended.

The Struggles with Pacing and Performance

One of the film’s biggest challenges lies in its pacing. With Simon being the sole character we follow for most of the movie, the film drags in parts. His internal struggle and desperation are meant to carry the emotional weight of the story, but without meaningful interactions with other characters, the pacing feels stretched. The movie could have benefited from a sharper focus and a tighter runtime, as certain scenes, especially those where Simon wrestles with the submarine’s equipment or rants on the intercom, feel unnecessarily prolonged.

Fischbach’s performance as Simon is one of the film’s most notable aspects, though it’s not without its flaws. As a YouTuber, Fischbach is known for his dynamic personality and energetic presence, but in Iron Lung, he adopts a quieter, more subdued approach. This shift in tone is a purposeful choice, aiming to reflect Simon’s internal turmoil. However, given that the audience is confined to Simon’s perspective for most of the film, his one-note performance leads to a sense of stagnation. While Fischbach does well in conveying Simon’s isolation, the lack of depth in the character’s emotional arc hampers the film’s potential impact.

The Experiment That Could Have Been More

Iron Lung is undeniably ambitious, and Markiplier’s effort to bring the video game to life on the big screen is admirable. The concept of a solitary figure trapped in a claustrophobic environment, uncovering secrets about an alien world, holds much potential. However, despite its compelling premise, the movie fails to truly capitalize on its narrative and emotional possibilities.

The slow pace, coupled with a lack of character development, makes Iron Lung feel more like an extended experiment in tension rather than a cohesive, engaging horror film. For those familiar with the video game, it may serve as a fascinating visual interpretation, but for those new to the story, the film’s drawn-out sequences and lack of deeper character exploration may leave them struggling to stay invested.

As Markiplier continues to expand his brand beyond YouTube, Iron Lung is an intriguing but flawed first step into filmmaking. It shows promise, but there’s still much room for growth as Fischbach refines his storytelling and direction. Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter for Markiplier in the film industry or remains a one-off experiment remains to be seen, but it’s clear that his future in filmmaking, if he continues to push boundaries, could lead to much more successful ventures.

In conclusion, Iron Lung presents a visually striking experiment in horror, but its slow pacing, lack of emotional connection, and overly ambitious tone ultimately detract from its potential. It may appeal to fans of the game or those seeking a deep, atmospheric experience, but for others, it could feel like a tedious journey that overstays its welcome.