In an ambitious yet ultimately flawed endeavor, musician Flying Lotus, also known as Steven Ellison, has ventured into the realm of filmmaking with his new project, "Ash." This visually stunning film clocks in at 95 minutes and tells the story of an astronaut named Riya, played by Eiza González, who awakens to find all her crewmates dead on their spaceship. Faced with partial amnesia regarding the events that led to this catastrophe, she eventually encounters another survivor, Brion, portrayed by Aaron Paul. Together, they piece together the grim reality they are faced with.
Despite the intriguing premise, "Ash" receives mixed reviews largely due to its convoluted narrative and ambiguous character motivations. While the cinematic visuals are hailed as a masterpiece, critics argue that the film lacks a coherent storyline that would engage audiences deeply. It's clear that Flying Lotus possesses artistic talent, cultivated through years of creating immersive audio-visual experiences in music. However, this film raises questions about whether he succeeded as a director.
Set against a backdrop inspired by science fiction classics like "2001: A Space Odyssey," the aesthetics of "Ash" borrow heavily from anime, video games, and comic books. The film's visual appeal is undeniably attractive, with kaleidoscopic imagery and a thoughtfully curated soundtrack that adds an emotional layer to the experience. Both González and Paul successfully bring depth to their roles, delivering performances that are commendable.
However, critics have pointed out significant gaps in the film’s screenplay. The motivations behind the characters’ actions are often unclear, leaving the audience grasping for deeper understanding. Key plot points are introduced without adequate explanation, such as why Earth has become uninhabitable. The implication that humanity's actions led to this dystopian future lacks elaboration, which frustrates viewers hoping for context.
As one review aptly summarizes, “Ultimately, the film has no position and no explanation and suffers for it.” This statement captures the essence of the core criticism: the film’s attempts at transgressive and genre-blending storytelling end up feeling hollow when unaccompanied by meaningful narrative substance.
The film's shortcomings extend to its pacing as well. The directorial choices create significant moments that feel stretched without contributing effectively to character development or plot progression. The result is a disconnect between the audience and the characters, hindering any emotional investment and leaving viewers with the question: What was the purpose of the events that transpired?
Critics have, therefore, suggested that “Ash” might have fared better as a shorter project, potentially having more impact as a thematic anthology piece or as part of a music video. Many believe that a more focused narrative could have allowed Flying Lotus to explore his creative vision more thoroughly. Reflecting on the film’s complexity and style, one cannot help but wonder if this cinematic journey is more of a stepping stone than a culmination of his artistic endeavors.
At the end of the day, “Ash” may leave a lingering impression, yet not in the way intended by its creators. The experience may fade from memory as easily as it was created. What remains is an ambitious effort that exemplifies the struggle many artists face when transitioning from one medium to another. Flying Lotus undeniably has the vision; however, to engage in storytelling requires a refined writing approach if he wishes to captivate an audience beyond stunning visual displays.
