The much-anticipated film "Ash" had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it was met with an enthusiastic reception. Directed by the talented Flying Lotus, the movie has earned positive reviews for its intriguing narrative, stellar performances from Eiza González and Aaron Paul, and innovative sound design that creates a hauntingly immersive experience.
Opening in theaters on March 21, 2025, via RLJE Films and Shudder, "Ash" is described as a psychedelic space odyssey featuring an amnesiac astronaut (played by Eiza González) who awakens to find her crew dead under mysterious circumstances. The tension escalates with the arrival of a fellow astronaut portrayed by Aaron Paul, compelling both characters to grapple with their surroundings as paranoia and panic threaten to engulf them.
In a recent interview with Variety, Flying Lotus revealed how he became drawn to the project, noting the uncertainty surrounding its development prior to the production. "I had that feeling that it was precious already… please don’t fuck this up," he expressed regarding his commitment to the script, which he felt needed to be handled with care.
The film's unique aesthetic is another highlight, heavily influenced by the 1977 classic "Suspiria." Flying Lotus shared, "The look and vibe ultimately started with psychedelic film. I was really into ‘Suspiria.’" Despite working on a limited budget, he was determined to carve out a distinct visual narrative, steering clear from conventional sci-fi imagery. Instead, he aimed to forge a different path that resonated with the creative atmosphere of early 2000s music videos.
Eiza González, who portrays the lead character, was recognized by Flying Lotus for her capacity to carry the intense narrative, especially given the emotional heft of her role. "I knew it was going to work right out of the gate, just because of the type of person she is," he remarked, highlighting her depth as an actress at a pivotal moment in her career. Her performance is vital as she showcases her character's strength and vulnerability in the face of danger.
Notably, the film is not shy when it comes to gore, with Flying Lotus emphasizing his desire to create a visually arresting experience with striking effects. As he jokingly put it, they went for "buckets of blood" in this project, a nod to the ambitious approach taken by the special effects team. He acknowledged their impressive background, having recently worked on films like "Evil Dead Rise" and "Lord of the Rings," which contributed to an artistic collaboration that pushed boundaries.
In addition to directing, Flying Lotus scored the film himself, although, as it turned out, he had to adapt his original musical vision during the editing process. "It felt like ‘Bitches Brew’ by Miles Davis, but sci-fi," he recounted, pointing to how the music evolved to better align with the film's mood as captured on screen.
Addressing aspiring filmmakers who might find themselves in a similar position, he advised, "Fight for all the things that you love and you want, but at the same time, listen to the people around you." He emphasized the importance of adaptability in the filmmaking process, especially when navigating the limitations of a lower budget. It’s about finding creative solutions while maintaining one’s vision.
As the film opens to audiences in theaters, "Ash" stands as a testament to innovation in independent cinema. Flying Lotus's passionate vision paired with powerful performances sets a new benchmark for the sci-fi and horror genres. For viewers seeking a richly layered cinematic experience, "Ash" has arrived just in time and is generating buzz that promises to anchor its place in the current cinematic landscape.
With an intriguing plot, exceptional sound design, and a commitment to creative storytelling, "Ash" reflects the evolution of genre filmmaking while delivering visceral thrills to audiences. Cinema enthusiasts can catch "Ash" in theaters now, ready to dive deep into its oscillating waves of sound and visuals.
