I.S.S. heightens a familiar concept for decent excitement and thought. It could've further developed its messages and characters, but that's forgivable. The themes are blunt yet relevant, covering oneness, loyalty, trust, morality, paranoia, and the futility of war. There's setup/payoff, foreshadowing, layered conflicts, natural exposition, shifting relationships, mild contrivances, effective turning points, and an earned ending. The acting is confined by the material but provides chemistry, stress, motivation, internal struggles, intensity, vulnerability, and evolution. Despite not realizing its potential, I.S.S. broaches political and spiritual ideas through a tense plot.
Technically, I.S.S. is modest yet efficient. Its direction has suspense, claustrophobia, and minor style. The imagery uses some lighting, focus, mounts, and rocking motion. Its anxious editing adds pace shifts, inserts, cross cuts, a concise runtime, and brief drama. The isolating sound offers muffling, silence, echoes, and stings. Its music is atmospheric, discordant, moody, thematic, and plot-relevant. The production design feels remote, contained, lived-in, and accurate. Its cast is small and thin on fame, but skilled and against type. The effects employ CGI, wires, and makeup to create an exotic setting. Ultimately, I.S.S. is sufficient even if it isn't a must-see.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 6/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 6.8/10
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