Oxygen

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 12, 2021

Genre
Science Fiction, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Mélanie Laurent as Elizabeth Hansen
• Mathieu Amalric as M.I.L.O. (voice)
• Malik Zidi as Léo Ferguson

Director
Alexandre Aja

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Crawl (2019)
• The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
• High Tension (2003)

Producer
Vincent Maraval, Brahim Chioua, Noëmie Devide, Alexandre Aja

Writer
Christie LeBlanc

Budget
$5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Wild Bunch, Echo Lake Entertainment, Pathé

Running Time
101 minutes

Languages
French

Maturity Rating
TV-MA

Content Advisory

• Intense scenes of suspense and danger
• Themes of survival and isolation

Movie Story
“Oxygen” is a claustrophobic sci-fi thriller that takes place almost entirely within a single, confined space—a cryogenic pod. The film follows Elizabeth Hansen (Mélanie Laurent), who wakes up in a futuristic medical pod with no memory of who she is or how she got there. Trapped inside the pod, which is rapidly running out of oxygen, Elizabeth must piece together her fragmented memories and figure out how to escape before time runs out.

As Elizabeth regains consciousness, she discovers that she is alone, with no one to help her except M.I.L.O. (voiced by Mathieu Amalric), the pod’s artificial intelligence system. M.I.L.O. provides her with information about the pod’s systems, but it’s up to Elizabeth to solve the mystery of her identity and her predicament. The film gradually reveals her past through a series of flashbacks, while Elizabeth races against time to survive in the increasingly dire situation.

The tension in “Oxygen” is palpable as the clock ticks down, and Elizabeth’s oxygen supply dwindles. Her interactions with M.I.L.O., her struggles to communicate with the outside world, and her attempts to hack the pod’s systems create a relentless atmosphere of suspense. The film explores themes of identity, memory, and the will to survive, all while maintaining an intense focus on its single, isolated setting.

Mélanie Laurent delivers a powerful performance as Elizabeth, conveying a wide range of emotions as she navigates fear, desperation, and determination. The film’s tight narrative, combined with its minimalist approach, makes “Oxygen” a gripping and immersive experience, highlighting the psychological and physical challenges of surviving in extreme isolation.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Oxygen” are crucial to creating the futuristic setting of the cryogenic pod and the technology that Elizabeth must interact with. The film uses CGI to depict the pod’s digital interfaces, the medical equipment, and the various alerts and warnings that Elizabeth encounters. The visual effects are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the sense of claustrophobia and urgency. The confined space of the pod is also portrayed with meticulous attention to detail, making the audience feel Elizabeth’s isolation and the tight confines of her environment. The film’s sound design plays a significant role in building tension, with the sounds of the pod’s machinery and the ticking of the oxygen supply adding to the overall suspense.

Box Office Performance
“Oxygen” was released directly on Netflix, where it quickly gained attention for its unique premise and intense storytelling. The film was well-received by both critics and audiences, who praised Mélanie Laurent’s performance and the film’s ability to maintain suspense despite its limited setting. While it did not have a traditional box office run, “Oxygen” found a large global audience through its streaming release, solidifying its place as a standout sci-fi thriller.

Filming Locations

• Paris, France (studio locations)

Notable Quotes

• “Who am I? Why am I here?” – Elizabeth Hansen
• “Your oxygen levels are critical.” – M.I.L.O.

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Alexandre Aja, known for his work in the horror and thriller genres, brought his expertise in creating tension and suspense to “Oxygen.” The film was originally written by Christie LeBlanc as a contained thriller, which appealed to Aja as a challenge to keep the audience engaged with minimal settings and a single character. Mélanie Laurent’s performance was central to the film’s success, as she had to carry the entire narrative on her shoulders, conveying the psychological and emotional intensity of the situation. The film was shot on a soundstage in Paris, with a focus on capturing the realism of the pod and the limitations it imposed on the character.

Awards

• Nominated for César Awards: Best Actress (Mélanie Laurent)
• Nominated for Lumières Award: Best Actress (Mélanie Laurent)

Final Verdict
“Oxygen” is a masterfully executed sci-fi thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With a captivating performance by Mélanie Laurent and expert direction by Alexandre Aja, the film succeeds in delivering intense suspense and a thought-provoking narrative within the confines of a single, claustrophobic setting. The film’s exploration of identity, survival, and the human spirit makes it more than just a thriller—it’s a deeply engaging psychological journey. “Oxygen” is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and survival dramas, showcasing the power of storytelling even within the tightest of spaces.

IMDb Rating
6.5/10