Hamilton, West Side Story and Hamilton star Ariana DeBose delivers an impressive performance in this claustrophobic thriller set on the International Space Station. ISS follows a group of American and Russian astronauts who must grapple with the devastating end of everything they know and find a way to survive together in the chaos.
Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and written by Nick Shafir, the movie is a thriller that’s both intense and gripping, even if it stretches believability at times. The film draws on classic Cold War motifs to highlight the perils of unthinking obedience to authority, delivering a modern take on these familiar themes.
In “ISS,” DeBose plays Dr. Kira Foster, a rookie American astronaut who is thrown into a high-stakes conflict almost as soon as she sets foot on the space station. Her superior, Gordon, played with flair by Chris Messina, is ordered by his bosses to take control of the station by any means necessary. The catch? The Russian team—portrayed by Maria Mashkova, Pilou Asbæk, and Costa Ronin—has received the same orders from their leaders back on Earth.
The film doesn’t shy away from over-the-top portrayals of the Russian characters, making it clear who we’re supposed to root for, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in this timely space drama. DeBose’s performance brings energy and charm to the story, even if the ending leaves more questions than answers. Despite the clichés, “ISS” offers an engaging experience that’s sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.