SummaryA young woman (Mélanie Laurent) wakes up in a cryogenic pod. She doesn’t remember who she is or how she ended up there. As she’s running out of oxygen, she must rebuild her memory to find a way out of her nightmare.
Directed By:Alexandre Aja
Written By:Christie LeBlanc
Oxygen
Metascore
Generally Favorable
67
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
My Score
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$6.67/mth
Metascore
Generally Favorable
75% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
25% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
May 12, 2021
88
With robust direction in an incredibly confined space and Laurent’s phenomenal work, Oxygen should feel like a breath of fresh air for people looking for something to watch on Netflix. (Sorry.)
May 12, 2021
80
It’s lean, mean, and boasts one hell of a lead performance, so fans of both sci-fi and the thriller in general will find a lot to love about Oxygen.
User score
Generally Favorable
64% Positive
57 Ratings
57 Ratings
26% Mixed
23 Ratings
23 Ratings
10% Negative
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
Jun 2, 2021
10
breathtaking movie, a big respect to this actress that held the whole movie on her shoulder
May 15, 2021
10
Que maravilla, es una historia intrigante y bellísima, nunca sabes como van a ocurrir las cosas y los giros son impresionantes para un argumento que a simple vista se ve simple pero que está planteado con una complejidad implacable, muy buena dirección de Alexandre Aja y una excelente actuación de Melanie Laurent en donde ofrece una interpretación llena de contrastes y matices en donde está permanentemente expuesta a la cámara, es un poco lenta, pero una vez que te atrapa no te suelta.
May 11, 2021
78
Oxygen and Laurent’s performance rely on how human nature manifests in us all: With a desire to live, no matter the cost. And none of what is achieved in this claustrophobic mystery would be possible without Laurent.
May 11, 2021
70
A clever example of creativity thriving within the strict protocols of the coronavirus pandemic, tense confinement thriller Oxygen plays like “Buried” in outer space.
May 12, 2021
63
If not for the contrived resolution, this might have been one of the better little thrillers to emerge from the pandemic. Instead, it feels a little disappointing, if only for the unlikely “twist” applied during the closing moments.
May 13, 2021
60
In some ways, this works better without the metaphorical reading – as just a far-fetched, but quite ingenious entertainment, with some bold climactic touches.
May 12, 2021
40
Aja knows what sort of product he is turning out and does it ably, if without much excitement, as though understanding he is filling a hole in a lineup. It’s actually Laurent, who is too classy to be here, who doesn’t entirely grasp the assignment. She keeps overreaching, giving her cutout character shows of realistic emotion that the film she is appearing in can’t support.
May 14, 2021
10
Unpredictably very good movie! Might be a bit shorter but still very good! Idea is unique, realization is good and pretty scary)
May 13, 2021
6
The incredible shots and Mélanie Laurent's acting are the best part of this film. The development of the high concept — a movie transpiring in the same place — doesn't cover new ground, and the twists don't come as a genuine shock, but the frustration of the main character is palpable. The ending is disappointing, though. I've never been interested at all in Alexandre Aja's work, but 'Oxygen' could be a breath of fresh air (pun intended) for anyone tired of his horror films.
Jul 13, 2025
5
A very average, mostly predictable film. They tried to introduce tension, but it mostly fell flat and I didn't feel much connection with the protagonist. The AI was mostly annoying and poorly voiced. I doubt I'd watch it again.
Aug 19, 2021
3
bad
[ bad ] adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36.
not good in any manner or degree.
Production Company:
- Getaway Films
- Wild Bunch
- Echo Lake Entertainment
Release Date:May 12, 2021
Duration:1 h 40 m
Rating:TV-14
Tagline:No escape. No memory. 90 minutes to live.
Awards
Portland Critics Association Awards
• 1 Nomination
