“Iron Lung” (2026) Reaction: I Happily Drowned in the Blood Ocean
Markiplier’s “Iron Lung” is an excellent game adaptation and indie horror film that I have seen so far. When I walked into the theater for the show, everyone was brimming with joy, remarking how thankful they were to finally see this highly anticipated movie. Strangers came together as fans and exchanged their predictions and relief on Mark’s hard work. With the trials and tribulations the YouTube star faced during the two-year distribution stalemate, this film is most definitely worth the wait.
My Reaction: Speechless With a Bloody Smile on My Face
Video of “Iron Lung” trailer, Courtesy of Markiplier
My first thought on how I feel about “Iron Lung”: I am blown away. I’ve watched him play the indie horror game it’s based on and saw the essence of it and more. The setting and special effects are great, loyal to the scrappy charm of the video game. The atmosphere is tense and claustrophobic, and Mark’s acting balances the despair of his situation, the desire to be free, and the fear of the unknown path of his character, the Convict. And, yes! The blood! Blood! BLOOD! This transfusion doesn’t go to waste at all.
The writing for the characters is good overall, but the film’s lore is spotty. This is also similar to the game; however, despite him fleshing out the story for a full-length film, some holes make it feel incomplete outside of the game’s scope. I also have a peeve with a few dark scenes and the shaking camera work because it’s hard to focus on what he is doing. The beginning of the film’s soundscape is a bit intense for the mood, and its pacing drags on for a while.
Despite those flaws, “Iron Lung” screams indie horror at its finest, especially when you take into consideration that Markiplier carried a gargantuan chunk from start to finish. The expansion of the lore fits like a glove, showing his love and dedication to David Szymanski’s Iron Lung game. Even with knowledge of the game beforehand, you won’t be able to guess what happens next. It’s a bloody, suspenseful, psychological entrapment that’ll lock you up, even though you’re free to leave after.
A Word From “Iron Lung’s” Audience
After the credits, I was able to talk to a few willing participants who sat with me during this bloody waterslide. I met a couple, Seth and Mackenzie, who were celebrating their 10th anniversary, happy to have seen Markiplier’s film on their big day. Seth commented that the film is a “very slow burn,” and that he knew that “the climax would be nuts, but not that nuts.” Mackenzie agreed with his statement, saying it was “wild” and a great time, but warned future movie goers not to “watch it if you don’t like blood.”
I interviewed a group on my way to the exit, with one anonymous viewer saying “[Mark] honed in,” and that the movie was “good [with] excellent special effects.” They remarked that “it needs a little more creativity” when it comes to single-set films, especially for the sound effects. Another viewer, Benjamin, agreed with his friend, adding that the ending was “missing something.” He enjoyed the special effects and complimented Mark’s acting chops, declaring “overall [the] set was fire. Love Mark.”
Get Your Blood From Iron Lung, Now!
When Markiplier made the official release for “Iron Lung,” I was stoked. I barely got a ticket in time because, in that month before the theatrical release, most of the seats were already taken. From what I’ve seen, this film is definitely worth the wait. It holds that Markiplier charm found in his previous filming projects, but with a bigger, well-used budget. Again, it has a few areas for improvement and clarity; however, for his first official theatrical film, it sits on a pedestal of indie filmworks. Don’t miss this, y’all.
