Searching for a definitive Iron Lung movie review now that Markiplier’s passion project has officially submerged into theatres? What started as a claustrophobic 2022 indie game has evolved into a high-stakes cinematic experience that is dominating 2026 search trends. In this Iron Lung movie review, we explore how this “blood ocean” nightmare made the jump from Steam to the big screen.
The Origins: How Markiplier Championed the Iron Lung Game
Before the film, there was the Iron Lung game, a lo-fi masterpiece by David Szymanski. The premise was as simple as it was terrifying: you are a convict welded into a tiny, windowless submarine nicknamed the “Iron Lung,” tasked with exploring a literal ocean of blood on a desolate moon after “The Quiet Rapture” erased the stars.
YouTube titan Mark “Markiplier” Fischbach became the game’s biggest advocate. His gameplay videos reached millions, but his involvement went far beyond a “Let’s Play.” Markiplier chose to write, direct, and self-finance the film for $4 million, ensuring the industrial dread remained intact. He even famously turned down a role in the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie to ensure this project got his full attention—a move that has clearly paid off.
Iron Lung Movie Review: A Spoiler-Free Look
As a spoiler-free Iron Lung movie review, we can confirm that this film is a masterclass in tension. Taking place almost entirely within the cramped, rusting hull of the SM-13 submarine, the movie captures a level of claustrophobia that makes Das Boot look like an open field.
The sound design by Brad Engleking is the real star here. Every metallic groan and distant, wet “thump” in the blood water builds an unbearable sense of doom. Markiplier delivers a physical, restrained performance as Simon, the pilot. His descent into madness is signalled not by monologues, but by his frantic interactions with the sub’s analogue tech. The film’s use of the “grainy camera” mechanic—where the audience only sees the outside world through still, X-ray photos—is the source of the film’s most bone-chilling scares.
Why the Iron Lung Review Scores are Sky-High
Critics have been releasing their Iron Lung movie review scores over the last few days, and while some “mainstream” outlets find the two-hour runtime a bit of a slog, horror fans are calling it a “Certified Fresh” triumph. It currently sits with a 90% Verified Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The production value is staggering for an indie film. Markiplier famously shattered the world record for on-screen blood, using 80,000 gallons of fake blood (beating the 2013 Evil Dead remake). It’s this commitment to practical effects—including a set so intense it landed Markiplier in the hospital during filming—that sets it apart from the CGI-heavy blockbusters of 2026.
Final Verdict: Wrapping Up Our Iron Lung Movie Review
To wrap up our Iron Lung movie review, Markiplier has successfully transitioned from YouTube creator to a legitimate filmmaking force. By respecting David Szymanski’s source material and doubling down on atmosphere, he has created a claustrophobic, blood-soaked triumph that will be a cult classic for years.
Final Score: 8.5/10
