Yo movie fans! Get ready for something seriously out there. Aaron Paul is diving headfirst into sci-fi horror in a new movie called Ash . And get this it is directed by none other than Flying Lotus the music producer and all-around creative genius known for pushing boundaries. This film looks like it is going to be a trip and a half.
'Ash' Movie Review: Is it the Next Level Sci-Fi Horror or Just a Hot Mess in Space?
Ash just premiered at SXSW Film Festival and early reviews are rolling in . The movie throws us into a desolate space station where Riya played by Eiza González wakes up with zero memory. Spooky right? Things get even weirder when Aaron Paul's character Brion shows up claiming to be a crewmate. But can she trust him? Or herself for that matter?
Critics are saying Ash definitely has vibes of video games like Dead Space and classic movies such as Alien and Event Horizon. It is got that space horror atmosphere down cold with gnarly visuals decent jump scares and a soundtrack from Flying Lotus himself that sounds seriously killer.
However some reviews point out that Ash might be a bit too ambitious for its own good. Some call it "convoluted" "overstuffed" and even "dull". Apparently the plot gets pretty intricate and maybe a little confusing. One review even joked the whole story could have been told in like 20 minutes if it was not dragging things out. Ouch.
Still even with mixed reactions everyone seems to agree on one thing: Ash is visually and sonically impressive. Flying Lotus's direction and musical background really shine. The movie looks expensive and expansive and the sound design is top-notch creating a truly eerie and unsettling feeling. So even if the story is a bit messy it sounds like Ash will be a wild sensory experience.
Aaron Paul and Eiza González in Space: Stellar Performances or Lost in the Void?
The movie relies heavily on its two leads Aaron Paul and Eiza González. They are pretty much the whole show for a lot of the film. Eiza González plays Riya the amnesiac survivor and Aaron Paul is Brion the mysterious maybe-friend maybe-foe.
Reviewers have different takes on González's performance. Some say she nails the vulnerability and horror of being stranded and clueless in space but maybe misses the action-hero steeliness. Think less Ripley from Aliens and more Ripley from the first Alien film. Aaron Paul on the other hand seems to be getting praise for his role as the enigmatic Brion. Their dynamic is central to the movie’s mystery and suspense.
Interestingly Iko Uwais of The Raid fame is also in Ash playing Riya's boss. But some reviews say he is kind of wasted in the role not getting much to do and even the fight scenes are apparently lackluster for his standards. That's a bummer for action fans.
Flying Lotus's Vision: Music Video Vibes Body Horror and Sci-Fi Influences Galore in 'Ash'
Director Flying Lotus is really making a name for himself as a filmmaker who blends genres and pushes boundaries. Ash is definitely not a conventional movie. One review even said it feels like a music video stretched to feature length and they meant that as a compliment. It is all about the atmosphere the visuals and the sound creating a free-flowing almost dreamlike experience.
Flying Lotus is clearly drawing inspiration from a ton of sources. Dead Space Alien The Thing Event Horizon all get mentioned as influences. He is mixing sci-fi with body horror psychedelic visuals and a killer soundtrack. The lighting in Ash is getting attention too with lots of neon and "bisexual lighting" which is apparently a thing.
If you are squeamish be warned Ash does not shy away from gore. Reviews mention "ghastly and slimy" deaths "mutilated bodies covered in thick blood" and "wince-inducing" moments. Flying Lotus is promising a horror film that delivers on the scares and the gross-out factor. He wants you to "protect your body’s pores and holes" apparently. Yikes.
'Ash' - Key Facts and Influences at a Glance:
- Starring: Eiza González and Aaron Paul.
- Directed by: Flying Lotus (Steven D. Bingley-Ellison).
- Genre: Sci-fi horror thriller.
- Influences: Dead Space Alien The Thing Event Horizon The Callisto Protocol Resident Evil Silent Hill Death Stranding.
- Plot: Amnesiac woman wakes up on a desolate space station and investigates what happened with the help of a mysterious crewmate.
- Release Date: Theatrical release on March 21 2025 Shudder streaming date later.
- SXSW Premiere: Film premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival.
- Soundtrack: Score composed by Flying Lotus.
- Themes: Identity memory trust survival body horror.
Should You Watch 'Ash'? The Verdict is Still Out But It Sounds Like a Wild Ride
So is Ash going to be your next favorite sci-fi horror flick? It is tough to say for sure based on these early reviews. It sounds like the story might be a bit messy and derivative but the visual and audio experience could be incredible. If you are a fan of Flying Lotus's unique style body horror and trippy space adventures Ash might be right up your alley.
If you are looking for a tightly plotted super scary movie this might not be it. But if you are willing to go on a wild ride with stunning visuals a killer soundtrack and Aaron Paul in space well Ash could be worth checking out when it hits theaters and Shudder. Just maybe do not eat a big meal beforehand.