I.S.S. Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Astronauts become space cops when Earth has a meltdown, because the best place to handle global politics is a tin can orbiting the planet.

🍿 I.S.S.: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at the ISS

Dr. Kira Foster, along with astronaut Christian Campbell, arrives at the International Space Station (ISS) to join Commander Gordon Barrett and a team of Russian cosmonauts: Weronika Vetrov and brothers Nicholai and Alexey Pulov. Despite cultural and political differences, the crew finds a way to bond, sharing meals and stories. Gordon and Weronika even share a romantic relationship. Kira is shown the cupola, a module offering a panoramic view of Earth, and is told about the ‘overview effect,’ a cognitive shift in perspective reported by some astronauts.

Nuclear War and Conflicting Orders

The tranquility is shattered when Kira witnesses a series of nuclear explosions on Earth. Communication lines go down, but Gordon receives a coded message from the U.S. government: Russia has launched a nuclear attack, and he must seize control of the ISS ‘by any means necessary.’ Suspicion immediately falls on the Russian crew, with the Americans suspecting they received similar orders. To make matters worse, they discover the ISS is losing altitude and will fall out of orbit within 24 hours if assistance doesn’t arrive.

Betrayal and Violence

Tensions escalate as trust erodes. Nicholai claims a communication antenna needs repair and Gordon goes outside the ISS to fix it. However, it is revealed that the antenna is fine and Alexey sabotages Gordon’s communications while Nicholai uses the robotic arm to knock Gordon into space. The situation rapidly deteriorates into violence and betrayal as the crew members struggle to survive and follow their respective orders. Alliances shift and break as the crew faces impossible choices.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose): A NASA astronaut who arrives at the ISS and finds herself caught in a conflict after a war breaks out on Earth.
• Gordon Barrett (Chris Messina): The American commander of the ISS who receives orders to take control by any means necessary after a nuclear attack.
• Christian Campbell (John Gallagher Jr.): A NASA astronaut on the ISS who becomes increasingly ruthless and untrustworthy amidst the escalating conflict.
• Weronika Vetrov (Masha Mashkova): A Russian cosmonaut on the ISS who seeks to protect her research and forms a bond with Kira.
• Nicholai Pulov (Costa Ronin): A Russian cosmonaut who is fiercely loyal to his country and willing to take extreme measures to secure the ISS.
• Alexey Pulov (Pilou Asbaek): Brother to Nicolai and a Russian cosmonaut, who is the doctor and creator of the radiation cure on the ISS.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gordon Barrett: “I wish you didn’t have to see it like this.” – Said to Kira, warning her about the horrific view of Earth after the nuclear explosions.
• Weronika Vetrov: “We agreed, no more secrets.” – Weronika expresses her disappointment and feelings of betrayal after discovering a hidden truth.
• Kira Foster: “I don’t know.” – Kira’s ambiguous response to Alexey’s question about their destination, symbolizing uncertainty about the future.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,573,799
• Worldwide Gross: $6,605,079

💥 I.S.S. Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to like I.S.S. more than I did. The premise is fantastic – a nuclear war breaking out while astronauts from the US and Russia are stuck together in space? The tension was palpable! But the execution felt a little flat, like the characters didn’t react realistically. There’s this one scene where you can clearly see the wires used for the zero gravity effect. It took me out of the film. I was hoping for a mind-blowing experience, and instead I got something just… okay.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction thrillers.”
  • “Viewers interested in suspenseful, claustrophobic films.”
  • “Those who appreciate movies that explore moral dilemmas and political themes.”
  • “Anyone intrigued by the concept of international cooperation in space gone awry.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and fight scenes.”
  • “Themes of war and political conflict.”
  • “Some language.”
  • “Claustrophobic settings that may be disturbing for some viewers.”
  • “Brief scenes depicting the aftermath of nuclear explosions.”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “I.S.S. is a decent thriller with a strong premise, but it suffers from predictable plot points and underdeveloped characters. While the visuals are impressive, the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential for suspense and tension. Not terrible, but not groundbreaking.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A claustrophobic setting and timely themes aren’t enough to save ‘I.S.S.’ from a generic script and uninspired direction. The film squanders its talented cast, delivering a forgettable thriller that fails to reach escape velocity.

Audience Reactions

The zero-gravity scenes, when done well, were pretty cool.: Many viewers praised the suspenseful premise, but many felt it didn’t live up to its potential due to questionable plot decisions.

Overall Consensus: I.S.S. has a good idea but stumbles in execution, leaving audiences wanting more from a potentially great thriller.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “I.S.S. was included on the ‘Black List’ of most-liked unproduced screenplays in December 2020.”
• “The movie was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, utilizing Screen Gems Studios for the interior sets of the space station.”

🖥️ How to Watch I.S.S.?

I.S.S. is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming options on services like Hulu or Paramount+ depending on your region and current subscription deals. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be found at major retailers and online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I.S.S., you might like these similar films:

• Gravity (2013): Features astronauts dealing with a catastrophic event in space and struggling for survival.
• Life (2017): Astronauts aboard the ISS encounter a hostile extraterrestrial life form.
• 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): Explores the psychological impact of isolation in space and deals with themes of survival and humanity.
• Ad Astra (2019): Deals with themes of isolation, survival, and psychological strain in the vastness of space.

🛒 I.S.S. Related Products

• International Space Station Model Building Kit: A detailed replica of the ISS. Great for space enthusiasts and model builders, this kit features realistic details and working solar panels, allowing you to recreate the iconic space station in your own home.
• Astronaut Costume for Kids: High-quality astronaut suit for children. Complete with embroidered patches and a realistic design, this costume allows kids to imagine themselves as part of the ISS crew, embarking on exciting space adventures.
• Space Exploration Documentary Blu-Ray Collection: A collection of high-definition documentaries covering various aspects of space exploration. Featuring stunning visuals and expert interviews, this collection provides a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos.
• Space Shuttle Building Blocks Set: An intricate building block set for creating your own space shuttle. With over 1,000 pieces, this set offers a challenging and rewarding building experience, perfect for space enthusiasts and LEGO collectors alike. Display your finished shuttle as a symbol of human ingenuity and exploration.

🎧 Soundtrack

I.S.S. features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Wind of Change” – performed by Scorpions

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

ISS #movie #iss #scifi #edit

Wow, check out this insane edit of “I.S.S.”! It’s like all the best parts crammed into one minute – definitely gets you hyped for the film. I thought the editor did a stellar job with the suspenseful music too!

✨ Rate