IO

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2:06

IO

2019

1h 36m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

33%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

19%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

In a post-apocalyptic time, Earth has been rendered toxic, and most of humanity has abandoned the planet and colonized one of Jupiter's moons, IO. But young scientist Sam Walden has stayed behind and dedicated herself to finding a way for human beings to survive on Earth. After sending out a radio transmission to see if she can locate anyone else, a man named Micah arrives. He believes there is no hope of survival and intends to take the final shuttle to IO in 48 hours.

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Critics Consensus

IO has some big ideas but little idea of how to effectively convey them, leaving viewers with a sci-fi drama whose attractive packaging can't cover its enervating core.

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Brad Newsome

Sydney Morning Herald

02/07/2019

It's still watchable enough, thanks to an unsettlingly ambiguous performance by Margaret Qualley...and a spot of clanging contemporary relevance.

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Scott Tobias

New York Times

01/24/2019

A film more interested in symbols of human resilience than in the flesh-and-blood passions that animate it.

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Keith Uhlich

The Hollywood Reporter

01/18/2019

It's not a good sign... when a movie ostensibly meant to rekindle one's faith in mankind makes you long instead for permanent apocalypse.

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Aaron Charles

InSession Film

05/10/2024

D

A jumbled mess that never really presents a cohesive narrative.

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Lonita Cook

KCTV5 News at 9

10/01/2021

It's an interesting, compelling idea, but it's a little bit low-key.

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Dan Ashby

Cultured Vultures

08/17/2019

The handful of twists, a little world context and the unique visual style make for an intriguing watch, it's just a shame that the film is a little too much of a slow burn.

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Melissa C

@RT21064278 3d

Genuinely the most boring uneventful underwhelming movie I have ever watched in my life. Literally nothing happened. There was essentially no plot and the plot barely thickened. What a waste of a sunday. My boyfriend and I will never get that hour and 36 minutes back. Definitely skip this one.

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Marco L

@decatur555 Mar 3

O takes a stripped-down approach to the post-apocalyptic genre, focusing on just three characters in a quiet, desolate world. Rather than spectacle, it aims for introspection, exploring grief, hope and isolation against a dying planet. Margaret Qualley delivers a restrained, fragile performance, while Anthony Mackie adds a grounded presence, though their chemistry never fully sparks. The film’s minimalist tone and slow rhythm create a melancholic atmosphere, enhanced by striking toxic skies and empty landscapes. However, the narrative lacks tension and forward momentum, and its philosophical ambitions don’t always translate into emotional depth. It’s thoughtful and aesthetically coherent, but often feels heavy and distant. Watchable for its mood and performances, though patience is required

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Thomas C

@RT43358187 Feb 23

I honestly don't understand the poor reviews. This movie is truly outstanding! The more you watch it, the more you see. It's very thought provoking! I give it a solid 5. I loved it!

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Joanna R

@JoannaR Feb 4

I was hopeful in the beginning, and that was quickly dashed as it was slow and painful to watch. Once Anthony Mackey made his appearance, I thought it would get better. Oh how wrong I was. It has an honest perception of a could be situation, but the way it was done left a lot to be desired. If you haven't watched it yet.... Don't.

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Alexis G

@Thebaker2004 Jan 19

The trailer was good, I thought it was gonna be a good movie, but nothing really happened throughout the movie and it was kind of disappointing. I don’t know what the director was thinking about making this movie but it looked like in the trailer. Something cool is gonna happen but no turns out. Sam wanted to stand on earth and die and be alone. I mean personally I didn’t like the movie because nothing really happened. It didn’t really keep my interest. I just feel like that. They could’ve done something more with a movie. Would not recommend to watch it. It sucked.

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milton d

@MJD7109 Dec 26

Not worth watching!!

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Jonathan Helpert

Director

Margaret Qualley

Sam Walden

Anthony Mackie

Micah

Danny Huston

Henry

Clay Jeter

Screenwriter

Charles Spano

Screenwriter

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IO: Trailer 1

2:06

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Synopsis

In a post-apocalyptic time, Earth has been rendered toxic, and most of humanity has abandoned the planet and colonized one of Jupiter's moons, IO. But young scientist Sam Walden has stayed behind and dedicated herself to finding a way for human beings to survive on Earth. After sending out a radio transmission to see if she can locate anyone else, a man named Micah arrives. He believes there is no hope of survival and intends to take the final shuttle to IO in 48 hours.

Director: Jonathan Helpert
Producer: Jason Michael Berman, Laura Rister
Screenwriter: Clay Jeter, Charles Spano, Will Basanta
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Mandalay Pictures
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 18, 2019
Runtime: 1h 36m

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