Oxygen(2021) movie my experience

 

Oxygen (2021) – A Gripping Sci-Fi Thriller That Leaves You Breathless

Yesterday, I watched Oxygen, a French sci-fi thriller directed by Alexandre Aja—and what a movie it is. I was absolutely stunned by the screenplay. From start to finish, the film keeps you hooked with its claustrophobic setting, emotional depth, and clever twists.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around a woman who wakes up inside a cryogenic pod, with no memory of how she got there and rapidly depleting oxygen levels. What follows is a desperate, mind-bending journey of survival, discovery, and resilience.

The opening title card itself is a subtle metaphor—starting with a rat in a maze and zooming out to reveal the movie’s title. It instantly sets the tone and gives a hint of the psychological and confined journey ahead.

Performance and Direction

Mélanie Laurent delivers a phenomenal performance. Her portrayal of Liz is intense, emotional, and incredibly human. The way she processes fear, pain, and confusion—and slowly pieces together the mystery—makes for a powerful character arc.

The film is directed by Alexandre Aja, known for his work in horror, and that influence is evident. Several scenes—particularly the sudden, jarring visuals—deliver genuine tension and unease. One standout moment is when Liz tries to reconnect her vitals. The sequence is so immersive, it makes you feel her pain as if it were your own.

Storytelling and Themes

What starts out feeling like a medical thriller eventually ties into a much larger sci-fi narrative involving space exploration. That reveal is handled brilliantly. The story gradually builds to a point where you feel the weight of isolation, the fragility of life, and the sheer unknown of space. One thought that really struck me while watching: space is very dangerous. That line stuck with me—and it perfectly captures the film’s core.

The ending is both intense and satisfying, rounding off a movie that’s as emotionally charged as it is thought-provoking.

Final Thoughts

Oxygen is now one of my favorite space-based movies. It's smart, emotional, visually striking, and backed by a lead performance that carries the film entirely on her shoulders.

Rating: 4/5
Superb movie. Totally worth watching.

Thank you for reading.
— Sai Deepak Belamana