The Netflix Sci-Fi Thriller That Leaves You Gasping For Air
There’s nothing like a good thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the 2021 French-language science fiction film Oxygen certainly fits that bill.
The film is directed and produced by Alexandre Aja from a screenplay by Christie LeBlanc, with a stellar cast of talent that includes Melanie Laurent, Mathieu Amalric, and Malik Zidi. You can head over to Netflix if you want to check the movie out for yourself.
A Claustrophobic Movie
Oxygen, as the name might imply, will be an especially frightening movie if you’re claustrophobic. The movie opens with a woman awakening in an airtight medical cryogenic unit, only to find that she is trapped and that her oxygen levels are rapidly running out.
On top of that, she’s suffering from memory loss and can’t remember why she’s there or even who she is.
Tense And Taut
Fortunately, she’s not completely alone, as she has an advanced AI named M.I.L.O. that may be able to assist her in her escape.
You’ll have to check the movie out if you want to find out if she’s able to escape and regain her memories.
Oxygen definitely has a tense and taut pace and will keep you guessing what will happen until the very end.
A Critical Hit
On top of an engaging and thrilling story, Oxygen has a stellar cast that provides top-notch performances throughout. Melanie Laurent leads the way as the woman trapped in the cryo chamber.
The film received great reviews upon its release, with an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you like claustrophobic thrillers and sci-fi settings, then this film will be one that you’ll want to add to your watch list as soon as possible.
Several Permutations
Interestingly, Oxygen went through several permutations before it became the film that was released in 2021. Back in July 2017, Anne Hathaway was actually announced to be in the cast and was supposed to serve as a producer, with Echo Lake Entertainment and IM Global also attached to produce.
However, Hathaway didn’t end up doing the film, and Noomi Rapace was cast as her replacement in February 2020, with Franck Khalfoun attached to direct.
Other Names Attached
Of course, this version of Oxygen didn’t make it through the production process either, as the final cast of Melanie Laurent, Mathieu Amalric, and Malik Zidi was put into place in July 2020.
Alexandre Aja, who was already attached as a producer for the film, would end up serving as director and replacing Khalfoun. Echo Lake Entertainment would also be involved in the film, with Adam Riback and James Engle from Echo Lake Entertainment executive producing.
A Worthwhile Watch
While the other versions of Oxygen with Hathaway or Rapace in the lead role would have undoubtedly been good, the final product ended up being a worthwhile sci-fi thriller that is worth checking out for fans of the genre.
Part survival film, part mystery, part thriller, and part character study, this film has a little bit of everything. Head over to Netflix to watch it today.
