Markiplier’s Iron Lung Reviews: Critics Divided Over Indie Horror ‘Soaked In All The Gore’

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Low-budget horror films, particularly those with dedicated fan bases, are seeing a surge in popularity. Markiplier’s recent project exemplifies a growing trend: small video games expanding into larger, cinematic experiences. However, the results have received mixed reviews from critics.

Mark Fischbach’s first film is both unexpected and creates a strong mood. It’s not surprising because Fischbach is known online, nor is it surprising because it’s a well-made video game adaptation, according to Luis Pomales-Diaz of Horror Press.

The review highlights that Iron Lung is most effective when it creates a truly terrifying and urgent sense of panic, mirroring the precarious condition of the submarine itself. The film expertly builds claustrophobia, placing the viewer right alongside the character in a dark, steamy, and metallic environment. This is where the movie truly excels. Horror Press concludes that, filled with gore, madness, and mystery reminiscent of films like Event Horizon and Pandorum, Iron Lung is a strong addition to the cosmic horror genre, overcoming its flaws. The review describes it as a visually impressive and atmospheric horror film, setting a high standard for other releases this year.

In a review for The Prague Reporter, Jason Pirodsky describes The Iron Lung as a powerfully affecting film, praising it as an impressive debut for a first-time indie filmmaker coming from YouTube. He notes that director David Fischbach successfully brings his creative ideas to life with the help of a talented team and a gripping, immersive atmosphere. While acknowledging it’s not perfect, Pirodsky calls The Iron Lung a tense and frightening experience, and even suggests it’s comparable to Sam Raimi’s early work like Evil Dead. The film is being released this weekend alongside Raimi’s Send Help.

Not All Critics Loved Markiplier’s Iron Lung Movie

Fischbach directs with a strong cinematic vision, masterfully creating a persistent and unsettling sense of dread. Unlike typical horror experiences filled with sudden jumpscares, Iron Lung relies on a more subtle approach. The game often suggests a scare, but then pulls back, building tension instead. Fear comes from the grainy, black and white images displayed on the submarine’s computer, hinting at the terrifying creatures hidden within the dark, blood-filled ocean.

Despite effectively creating a sense of unease, the filmmaker should have considered a different lead actor. While his performance isn’t poor, the film relies too heavily on him being the sole focus for its entire runtime, which ultimately reveals its weaknesses. He successfully moves away from his online personality to portray a more subdued character, but the result feels artificial. The director clearly aimed to make the main character a vehicle for the audience’s perspective, but this approach unfortunately emphasizes the film’s slow pace.

According to IGN’s Eric Goldman, Iron Lung suffers from poor pacing and a lack of energy right from the beginning. He found the situations the main character faces aren’t interesting enough to hold the viewer’s attention, and many scenes feel unnecessarily long. Goldman started feeling restless only fifteen minutes in, and realized the two-hour-plus runtime wasn’t justified by the story.

Iron Lung is now playing in theaters.

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2026-02-02 19:09