Alexandre Aja initially gained attention with Piranha 3D, a film that many anticipated would be terrible but proved to be a surprising success. Following years of experimentation, he seemed to find another significant achievement with Crawl, another project that defied expectations and became a standout in its genre. Consequently, I was eager to see Oxygen, a French-language movie centered on an intriguing premise. Reviews for this kind of film are always tricky to write without giving too much away. This Netflix production is full of unexpected turns and significant reveals that I can’t fully discuss, making it difficult to share all my thoughts about the most important parts of the story. Instead, I'll focus on what makes the movie so captivating—the questions it raises. Christie LeBlanc crafted a screenplay packed with everything you’d want in a claustrophobic, enigmatic thriller set entirely in one location; honestly, it’s among the best-written scripts I’ve encountered recently within the genre. While those who dislike movies that leave things open-ended might find Oxygen frustrating, it doesn't shy away from ambiguity. Every question posed by the story receives a clear answer. However, LeBlanc’s screenplay presents *dozens* of questions alongside their answers. It’s hard to get everyone on board with every twist, particularly in the third act when revelations come thick and fast. From a certain point onward, it's an overwhelming stream of shocking information that could be too much for some viewers. Still, many people tend to find fault where none exists: pointing out supposed "logic" issues. If you’ve already seen the film, you’ll either completely agree with me or believe we watched something different. As is often the case with this type of movie, it all boils down to individual perspective and how receptive someone is to science fiction elements or advanced technology. For many viewers worldwide, even the simple fact that Mélanie Laurent's character is trapped in a futuristic cryogenic pod assisted by an AI resembling Siri already stretches their suspension of disbelief. Not everyone can accept things on faith, so I won’t be surprised if Oxygen generates a more divided response from audiences. Despite this, I firmly believe it will become one of the most overlooked films of 2021. Aja demonstrates his considerable talent by creating a feature-length movie within an incredibly confined space. Each piece of information about what, how, why, and when concerning the main story is carefully revealed with just enough hints to understand what’s truly happening. Even though viewers are also essentially imprisoned for nearly two hours, Aja and DP Maxime Alexandre find inventive ways to maintain suspense without making the film feel monotonous or tiring. Mélanie Laurent's performance is essential to the movie's success. Without her remarkable portrayal, it would be difficult to remain invested in her character’s quest to understand what's happening to her, including her own identity. The role demands a wide emotional range, and Laurent showcases her considerable talent. Technically, the cryogenic pod features impressive technology, with some effects achieved through remarkable visual artistry. Robin Coudert’s score also adds another layer of mystery and suspense. It’s a prime example of how low-budget films can still be exceptionally well-made. Aja and LeBlanc explore several themes, perhaps most notably identity—what truly defines us as human? Feelings? Memories? Physical suffering? Discussing this in detail would spoil some of the film's biggest surprises, but it’s one of many underlying storylines that ultimately make Oxygen a profound piece of storytelling. Broader topics such as health and politics are also addressed, along with moral questions about advanced technology and how humans should use it. Even three days after watching it, and having seen two other films in the meantime, I'm still thinking about this one. Oxygen is an outstanding example of one-location filmmaking executed perfectly, which unfortunately will likely be missed by many viewers. Christie LeBlanc’s detailed screenplay delivers shocking revelations and plot twists that are sure to provoke a reaction. Difficult moral dilemmas, surprising discoveries about the protagonist, and a captivating performance from Mélanie Laurent keep the slow, flashback-driven narrative engaging. With numerous underlying themes, Alexandre Aja maintains a suspenseful atmosphere with a constant sense of urgency. Maxime Alexandre's creative camera work and Robin Coudert’s evocative score enhance this exploration of human identity without feeling overly obscure. For those who enjoy claustrophobic thrillers with science fiction elements, Netflix currently hosts one of my favorite films of the year. I highly recommend it. Rating: A-

Source on TMDB