In “Oxygen 2021,” a woman wakes up in a cryogenic chamber with limited oxygen and no memory of how she got there. She must use her wits to survive as time ticks away like an hourglass. The claustrophobic setting and intense sense of urgency keep the suspense high, like a ticking time bomb. As she slowly unravels the mystery of her situation, the stakes become higher, like a precarious game of Jenga. Will she be able to escape before it’s too late? The clock is ticking…
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Review
Take a deep breath and get ready for an intense experience with Oxygen, the latest techno-thriller from French director Alexandre Aja, now streaming on Netflix. Starring Mélanie Laurent as a woman waking up in a cryogenic chamber with limited air and memory, Oxygen uses claustrophobic suspense and mind-bending revelations to explore themes of identity, mortality, and resilience. Mixing sci-fi speculation, medical jargon, and emotional stakes, Oxygen invites us to ponder what makes us human and what we would do to survive.
As Brené Brown would say, Oxygen takes us on a vulnerability trip. We feel the fear and uncertainty of the protagonist as she tries to figure out who she is and how she ended up in this suffocating predicament. We also sense her courage and resourcefulness as she uses her wits and gadgets (an AI assistant called MILO) to unravel the mystery around her. And we empathize with her existential angst as she confronts the possibility of dying alone in a pod, far from any comfort or connection.
The storyline of Oxygen may seem simple at first: a woman trapped in a box. But like many of the best thrillers, it unfolds with layers of complexity that keep us guessing until the end. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that things are not what they seem, both inside and outside the chamber. The plot twists are handled deftly by Aja and his team (including writers Christie LeBlanc and William Penick), who balance exposition with action, escalation with reflection.
One of the strengths of Oxygen is its casting. Mélanie Laurent delivers a powerhouse performance as Liz Hansen (or is it?), conveying a wide range of emotions without ever losing sight of the character’s core values: curiosity, courage, compassion. Laurent’s expressive face is a canvas for various moods and expressions that enhance our investment in her survival. The fact that she’s the only visible actor for most of the movie also puts a lot of pressure on her shoulders, but she rises to the occasion with grace and grit.
The supporting cast of Oxygen is more spectral but no less effective. MILO, voiced by Mathieu Amalric, provides a quirky and witty commentary on Liz’s situation, while also hinting at his own backstory. Omar Sy appears briefly as a voice from the past who triggers some of Liz’s memories and regrets. And that’s about it. The rest of the characters are either voices from screens or figments of Liz’s imagination, adding to the eerie atmosphere of isolation and uncertainty.
The history and context of Oxygen is interesting to consider as well. As streaming services become more dominant in the film industry, we see more movies being made specifically for that format, bypassing theatrical distribution or festival circuits. While this may lead to more diverse and innovative storytelling, it also raises questions about quality control, oversaturation, and audience fatigue. Oxygen seems to avoid these pitfalls by focusing on its unique premise and execution, without resorting to gratuitous violence or spectacle.
The score and popularity of Oxygen are also noteworthy. Composed by Robin Coudert, the music blends electronic beats, orchestral motifs, and haunting vocals to create a sonic landscape that complements the visuals without overpowering them. The popularity of Oxygen reflects its appeal to global audiences who crave suspenseful escapism with a dash of existentialism. Although Netflix doesn’t release official viewing figures, Oxygen has generated buzz on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
The filming techniques used in Oxygen further enhance its immersive qualities. Cinematographer Maxime Alexandre uses tight close-ups, long takes, and shifting angles to convey the cramped space inside the chamber and Liz’s changing perspectives on her surroundings. He also employs vivid colors (mostly blueish hues) to contrast with Liz’s pale skin and highlight key objects or moments. The editing by Baptiste Chesnais helps to maintain the tension and pace of the narrative, cutting between Liz’s flashbacks, MILO’s data, and Liz’s present actions.
In terms of evaluation, Oxygen has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised its inventiveness and performances, while others have criticized its reliance on clichés and plot holes. While I can see both sides of the argument, I think Oxygen succeeds more than it fails in creating a memorable and engaging movie experience. Yes, there are some contrivances and coincidences that strain credulity, but they don’t detract from the overall impact of the story.
The awards potential for Oxygen is uncertain at this point, as it hasn’t premiered at any major festivals or awards shows yet. However, given the talent involved and the positive reception so far, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some nominations or wins down the line. The cinematography and sound design alone deserve recognition for their innovative approaches to a familiar genre.
The special effects used in Oxygen are also noteworthy. While not as flashy as some big-budget blockbusters, they enhance the believability of Liz’s situation by showing us how her pod works (or doesn’t work) through diagrams and schematics that pop up on screen. The hologram projections that represent MILO are also seamlessly integrated into the visuals, creating a futuristic vibe without feeling too gimmicky.
The dialogue in Oxygen is sparse but effective. Most of it comes from Liz’s interactions with MILO or herself, as she tries to piece together her identity and overcome her doubts. The exchanges between Liz and MILO are particularly entertaining, as they blend humor with exposition in a way that feels organic to their dynamic. There are also some poignant moments when Liz reflects on her past relationships and regrets.
The crews behind Oxygen deserve credit for pulling off such a challenging project with limited resources and space. From the production design that creates a believable cryogenic chamber to the camera work that captures every nuance of Laurent’s performance, Oxygen is a triumph of collaborative artistry. The fact that it was shot during the pandemic adds another layer of difficulty and ingenuity to the logistics involved.
The criticism that Oxygen has faced from some quarters mainly revolves around its reliance on genre tropes and predictable reveals. While it’s true that the movie borrows from various sources (such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Moon, or The Matrix), it also subverts them in subtle ways that enhance its originality. And while it’s also true that some of the twists may be guessed by attentive viewers, they still pack an emotional punch due to Laurent’s acting and Aja’s direction.
The production of Oxygen has also sparked some gossip about its origins and inspirations. Some have speculated that it was inspired by an episode of Black Mirror called “USS Callister,” which also featured a protagonist trapped in a simulated universe controlled by an AI. Others have pointed out similarities with recent movies like Passengers or Life, which explored similar themes but with different twists. Regardless of its influences, Oxygen stands on its own as a gripping and thought-provoking movie.
The analysis of Oxygen can go deeper into its philosophical implications and psychological insights. By presenting us with a scenario where our basic needs for air, water, and food are replaced by technology, Oxygen asks us to consider what we really depend on for our survival and well-being. It also invites us to question our own perceptions of reality and memory, as Liz struggles to distinguish between fact and fiction in her mind.
Overall, Oxygen is a must-watch movie for fans of science fiction, suspense thrillers, or character-driven dramas. It offers both thrills and chills while also stimulating our brains and hearts. As Brené Brown would say, it helps us practice vulnerability by confronting our fears and doubts, and by embracing the power of connection and resilience. So take a deep breath and dive into Oxygen – you won’t regret it.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 100
- Release : 2021-05-12
- Genre : Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror
- Cast : Mélanie Laurent as Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Hansen, Mathieu Amalric as M.I.L.O, Malik Zidi as Léo Ferguson, Laura Boujenah as Alice Hansen, Éric Herson-Macarel as Capitain Moreau
- Crew : Vincent Maraval as Producer, Jean Rabasse as Production Design, Nicolas Becker as Foley Artist, Stéphane Roche as Editor, Maxime Alexandre as Director of Photography
- Popularity 17.56
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Wild Bunch, Getaway Films, Echo Lake Entertainment
- Summary : A woman wakes in a cryogenic chamber with no recollection of how she got there, and must find a way out before running out of air.
- Tagline : No escape. No memory. 90 min to live.
