Oxygen: Strange, Atmospheric, and Intense

If done in any other way, this movie would be horrible. In its entire hour and forty minute run time the film is almost entirely shot within one tiny location: a cryogenic pod. While interesting in concept, there are a few aspects that should’ve come across as a bit off, like with the use of technology in Searching (2018). 

In Searching, a few shots seemed offputting given the constraints of having the entire movie being presented through different technological devices with none of them being a film camera. Oxygen shouldn’t work, but was somehow able to keep my attention throughout and contained a compelling narrative. 

Ultimately, you wouldn’t expect the camera work to be as good as it is. Given the small space, you’d expect to see the same few shots over and over again—yet you don’t. Obviously there are less overhead shots and more close-ups, but overall the camerawork is surprisingly intriguing and doesn’t disappoint. 

There were some really intense shots, and plenty that were able to properly capture the situation. Ultimately, you’re trapped with this character inside the cryogenic pod, and the effects are harrowing. However, in a few select places, you get to see extreme long shots that’ll take your breath away, before sending you right back into that enclosed space. 

Oxygen takes my favorite parts of 2001: A Space Odyssey, in terms of atmosphere and technical quality. While those films are very different in terms of length and subject matter, you still get impressive visuals coupled with an intense, intriguing narrative. Chances are, if you like 2001: A Space Odyssey, or if you at least liked (or liked to hate) Hal and the interior shots of the spaceship, then you’ll be a fan of this film. 

You also get a lot of exciting plot twists. Throughout the film, as you learn more and more about the universe and the characters involved, more and more is revealed and previous understandings of reality are thrown out the window. Nothing can be taken for granted and you as the audience have to decipher the truth amongst the lies. It certainly makes for an interesting ride. Even towards the end you’re not entirely certain where this movie is going to go. I was on the edge of my seat throughout, and remained gripped until halfway through the credits. 

It’s also important to note that it’s a French film, and has both subbed and dubbed options. Personally, I preferred the dubbed version, which is a rarity for me, as I felt that the English voice actress did an excellent job with her role.

Speaking of the acting, while I don’t know any French actors, and certainly not lead Melaine Laurent, I now hope to. Laurent in particular was excellent especially given all she had to throughout the movie. There was rarely a scene she wasn’t in, at least partially. Yet she was able to deliver an excellent performance throughout, and never disappointed in regards to her acting potential. 

One of the only real complaints I have is with the big reveal at the end. While it wasn’t disappointing, it was pretty easy to see coming. I knew early on what that big reveal was, which didn’t mean it was entirely unsatisfactory when it came, it just meant that it didn’t have the impact the filmmakers intended. There were also a few things I was confused about, but none of them were important enough to where I now remember them, so I doubt you will either.