IO

Sam Walden, a determined young scientist, believes she can slow Earth’s collapse by unlocking a way to heal the atmosphere and restore ecosystems. In the near future, her research hinges on a radical approach that could buy humanity more time, even as the planet buckles under heat and dwindling resources. At the same time, Elon, a man racing to board the last shuttle off world, embodies a different kind of urgency a dash to escape a dying home. Their paths cross, tying scientific ambition to a desperate human bid for survival. IO traces their parallel paths through bleak landscapes and intimate moments of fear, hope, and stubborn resilience. Across barren coastlines and frostbitten cities, their encounters test trust and mercy, revealing how science and connection intertwine in a race against time for humanity's survival and future.

Directed by Jonathan Helpert, IO draws from an original concept developed by Charles Spano, Will Basanta, and Clay Jeter. It premiered on Netflix in 2019, presenting a self contained science fiction drama with quiet, intimate storytelling.

Box office: IO did not premiere theatrically and is distributed by Netflix. Because it streams rather than releases a traditional gross there is no standard worldwide box office figure reported. The film relies on streaming reach rather than ticket sales.

While not a blockbuster, the film adds to climate fiction by foregrounding human connection over spectacle. Margaret Qualley gives a focused performance as Sam Walden, and the bleak settings invite viewers to consider sacrifice and responsibility in times of crisis, long after the credits roll.

Critics offered mixed reactions balancing its restrained mood with its emphasis on character and idea. Some praise the quiet ache of Sam's moral choices and Elon's relentless urgency, while others feel the pacing stalls at times. The central themes include duty, hope, companionship, and the cost of survival under threat.