Markiplier's Movie: Iron Lung

BY: JACKSON WELLS / STAFF WRITER

(Photo Credits: IMDB)

Popular gaming YouTuber Markiplier has embarked on quite the task with directing, starring, editing and producing an independent horror movie, based on the game of the same name, Iron Lung. 

Mark is no stranger to film, creating a plethora of short films and interactive movies on his respective platform, but to take an idea from the internet to the big screen is no small feat, and the payoff he received is truly remarkable. 

With a three-year creation period and a $3 million budget, Mark only expected to be able to show it in a select 60 theaters, but with so much push for the film, it ended up being screened in over 4,000 locations. With a box office turnout of $18.2 million, it beat out Melania Trump’s documentary, which lost $60 million, and narrowly ended neck-and-neck with Sam Raimi’s Send Help, the original creator of Evil Dead. 

The 2023 remake of Evil Dead held the record for the most fake blood of any horror movie, but Iron Lung dethroned that with 80,000 gallons being used for filming. Once released, Mark partnered with thousands of blood donation centers, raising 37,000 donations by the week’s end. 

Even as the king of Five Nights at Freddy’s, Mark had to turn down a role in the 2023 film adaptation because he was so committed to finishing Iron Lung, inviting fellow gaming YouTuber and long-time collaborator, Jacksepticeye, to voice a role in the movie. 

Most two-hour indie sci-fi horror flicks wouldn’t make quite the buzz that Iron Lung has, but with a dedicated fanbase, an anti-corporate approach, and an internet legend behind it all, Iron Lung has cemented itself among the ever-growing trend of YouTubers dipping their toes into the horror genre. Other examples include the Rackaracka brothers' Talk To Me / Bring Her Back, Kyle Edward Ball’s Skinamarink, and Chris Stuckmann’s Shelby Oaks.  

I watched the movie opening weekend with some friends, and we were thoroughly impressed. The set design of the submarine, in which most of the movie takes place, as well as the visual and sound effects for the creature and atmosphere, were top-notch. Another aspect I liked was the acting, with Mark getting better and better in each starring effort, and all of the supporting cast providing solid performances, too. 

Some of Iron Lung’s faults come in the form of storytelling and fleshing out concepts, with dialogue-heavy scenes being distorted for the sake of aesthetics, and quick flashbacks being substituted as an explanation, not being able to portray a complete picture.

With no streaming giant, production studio, or nepo figure behind it, Iron Lung is a strong reminder that independent movies can be made off sheer determination. In his YouTube video titled, “I didn’t think this was possible”, Mark shows his live reaction to his hometown theater immediately selling out opening night, shedding grateful tears, and praising his passionate audience.

Whether you are a fan of Markiplier, horror movies, or just someone who loves to see a good person succeed, Iron Lung is only the beginning for intimate cinema to rival blockbusters, creating opportunities for up-and-coming filmmakers to shine.