Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling from this, the astronauts receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary. A film by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, starring Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, John Gallagher Jr., Masha Mashkova, Costa Ronin, and Pilou Asbæk.

The creation of the international Space Station (ISS) served as a symbol of United States and Russian collaboration after the Cold War.

On the International Space Station, a cutting-edge research facility orbiting Earth, the crew from various nations collaborate to push the boundaries of medicine, technology, and space exploration. Currently, both American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts are living on board the ISS.

American astronauts Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) and Christian Campbell (John Gallagher Jr.) arrive on the International Space Station aboard a Soyuz Rocket, the primary means of transporting astronauts from Earth. They are greeted by American Commander Gordon Barrett (Chris Messina) and Russian cosmonauts Weronika Vetrov (Masha Mashkova), Nicholai Pulov (Costa Ronin), and Alexey Pulov (Pilou Asbæk). Though language barriers and cultural differences exist, the Americans and Russians enjoy a positive camaraderie.

Despite sharing the orbiting facility, each nation keeps their research classified. Dr. Kira dedicates her efforts to organ replacement. While successful in theory, her attempts have failed due to excessive stress on the cells, and she hopes zero gravity will offer a breakthrough. Meanwhile, the Russians also conduct classified research, including a potential cure for radiation sickness.

The next day, the crew witnesses several massive nuclear explosions, which Kira first notices and initially mistakes for volcanic eruptions. .The station plunges into chaos as communications fail, leaving them stranded in the silence as they try to contact their control centers and understand the chaos unfolding on Earth.

Meanwhile, Gordon receives a classified message revealing an act of war between the United States and Russia, with investigations into potential involvement from other countries. His new directive, classified and urgent, instructs all U.S. personnel on the ISS to immediately abort all ongoing experiments and prioritize seizing control of the ISS by any means necessary. The film deliberately keeps the Russian communication messages hidden, but it’s safe to assume the cosmonauts likely received similar orders from their government.

American filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s science fiction thriller “I.S.S.” presents a compelling premise exploring World War III’s outbreak and the ensuing struggle between Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts for control of the space station. While the film boasts stunning cinematography and impressive visual and practical effects (especially considering its $13.8 million budget), some scenes may appear unrealistic.

The film stumbles on the script, written by Nick Shafir. The narrative fails to deliver a satisfying arc or a memorable conclusion. Character development is virtually absent, leaving everyone feeling one-dimensional despite being presented as top scientists rather than military personnel. Their illogical and questionable decisions throughout the film make it difficult for viewers to invest in their survival. The writer intentionally adds a time constraint: the ISS will plummet to Earth unless it receives a reboost to maintain its orbit. However, without assistance from control centers, reboosting is impossible, rendering the struggle for station control seemingly pointless.

I.S.S. premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on 12 June 2023. The film was theatrically released in the United States on 19 January 2024