Markiplier’s self-financed indie film, Iron Lung, was released in theaters on January 30th and has grossed over 21 million dollars in sales thus far. The film was financed using less than 3 million dollars, with no financial help from any major studios. The movie was inspired by the Iron Lung simulation horror video game developed by David Szymanski.
The isolated submarine setting was made entirely on practical effects, and was hooked up to a rig which controlled its movements. The film also broke the record for most amount of fake blood used in a horror film, using over 80,000 gallons. Iron Lung’s strengths lie in its production and cinematography. Every camera angle and eerie sound in the background led to an uneasy feeling. The horror of this film lies not in jump scares, but an unsettling and uneasy feeling you are forced to sit with.
Markiplier has acted in projects before, but nothing of this scale. Being the main character and basically the only one to get screen time, the film rides on his performance and he carries that burden well. What I think he excels in acting is the practical effects, especially during the end of the movie, he is willing to do any stunt and go through anything for the film.
The amount of care that went into this movie is entirely visible, despite having a small budget, the cast and crew gave this film everything they had. Right from the start, I was hooked into the world and on the edge of my seat to learn more about it. If you don’t like a slow burn, then you won’t like this movie, but personally I thoroughly enjoyed the film.
The practical effects are the star of the show and the peak of it is shown in the final parts of the movie, when everything comes to ruin and spectacle. I believe that everyone should watch Iron Lung to support a self-financed film like this, especially because it was so beautifully done.
