Oxygen (2021) is a sci-fi psychological thriller directed by Alexandre Aja and starring Mélanie Laurent in a performance-driven, intense survival story. The film follows a woman who wakes up in a cryogenic pod with no memory of how she got there and only a limited supply of oxygen left.
With its claustrophobic setting, intense suspense, and mind-bending twists, Oxygen is a thrilling and emotional ride, reminiscent of films like Buried and Gravity.
Director: Alexandre Aja
French filmmaker Alexandre Aja is best known for his work in horror and thriller films, such as The Hills Have Eyes (2006) and Crawl (2019). With Oxygen, he shifts towards a high-concept sci-fi thriller, delivering an experience that is both visually striking and psychologically gripping.
Aja’s direction ensures that, despite being set almost entirely inside a small cryogenic chamber, the film remains tense, engaging, and unpredictable.
Main Characters & Cast
- Elizabeth “Liz” Hansen (Mélanie Laurent)
The film’s protagonist, Liz, wakes up in a cryogenic chamber with no memory of how she got there. As she struggles to regain her memory, she must race against time to escape before her oxygen runs out. Mélanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds, Now You See Me) delivers a captivating and emotional performance, carrying the film almost entirely on her own. - MILO (voiced by Mathieu Amalric)
An AI assistant that controls the cryo-chamber. While MILO provides Liz with information and guidance, it also raises questions about its true intentions. Mathieu Amalric, known for his roles in The Grand Budapest Hotel and Quantum of Solace, lends a chilling and enigmatic voice to the character. - Leo Ferguson (Malik Zidi)
A mysterious figure from Liz’s past whose identity plays a crucial role in unraveling the truth behind her situation.
Plot Overview (No Spoilers)
The story begins with Liz waking up inside a high-tech cryogenic pod, with no memory of who she is or how she got there. As she struggles to make sense of her surroundings, she discovers that the pod’s oxygen levels are rapidly depleting, leaving her with only 90 minutes to live.
👉 With the help of MILO, the AI system, Liz must piece together her fragmented memories and find a way to escape before she suffocates.
As she fights for survival, she begins to uncover shocking truths about her identity, the purpose of the cryo-pod, and the world outside. Each revelation deepens the mystery, leading to a twist-filled, emotional climax that will leave viewers questioning everything they thought they knew.
Budget and Production
- Budget: Estimated $10–12 million
- Production Studios: Getaway Films, Wild Bunch
- Cinematography: Maxime Alexandre (The Nun, Crawl)
Despite its small budget and single-location setting, Oxygen delivers impressive visual effects, intense cinematography, and a deeply immersive atmosphere. The film effectively builds tension through clever camera angles, eerie lighting, and immersive sound design, making Liz’s desperation feel real and immediate.
Box Office and Reception
- Release Platform: Premiered exclusively on Netflix
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88% (Critics) | 78% (Audience)
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Oxygen received positive reviews for its intelligent storytelling, gripping tension, and Mélanie Laurent’s standout performance. Critics praised the film’s tight pacing and psychological depth, though some viewers found the slow-burn mystery approach divisive.
Where to Watch
📌 Streaming Platform:
- Netflix (Worldwide)
🔗 Check availability in your region: JustWatch – Oxygen
Final Thoughts
Oxygen (2021) is a tense, thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its engaging mystery, strong central performance, and gripping twists, it’s a must-watch for fans of survival thrillers and mind-bending sci-fi.
If you enjoy films like Gravity, Buried, or Moon, Oxygen is a highly recommended watch!
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