The challenge of the single-location film offers clear benefits and disadvantages.
On the one hand, the stakes are built in.
Audiences can quickly understand and invest in the situation.
Image via Netflix
Your thrilling premise can quickly devolve into a tedious gimmick.
A woman (Laurent) wakes up in a cryogenic chamber.
To say any more than that would be to spoil all the fun.
Image via Netflix
Aja makes arguably his most impressive directorial effort yet as he sticks to the confines of the cryogenic chamber.
He knows the spaces limitations and instead uses them as an advantage.
Again, theres nowhere to hide.
Image via Netflix
Its all on Laurent, and she manages the job beautifully by playing it as fully human.
She doesnt have quips or some special knowledge.
Oxygenis a gem of a sci-fi thriller because it lives or dies by keeping its audience intrigued.
Rating: B+
Oxygenarrives on Netflix on May 12th.
