Ash (2025) is a bold and atmospheric sci‑fi horror film directed by Flying Lotus (Steven Ellison), adapted from the Wikipedia article. This electrifying story follows astronaut Riya Ortiz after she awakens on a remote space station with no memory—and only corpses for company. With haunting visuals and a chilling score, Ash delivers a cerebral journey into memory, mistrust, and alien menace.

A Mysterious Plot That Unfolds in Isolation

In Ash, Riya Ortiz (Eiza González) regains consciousness aboard the planetary station “Ash”, surrounded by dead crewmates and fragmented memories. As she searches for answers, Brion Cargyle (Aaron Paul) arrives, claiming he received her SOS. But Riya soon discovers unimaginable truths: the crewmate she trusted, Brion, is already dead—and so much more.

The story intensifies with flashbacks revealing how the crew encountered a hostile alien parasite. Riya must unravel her own connection to the infection—or be consumed by it.

Stellar Cast & Crew

• Eiza González shines as Riya Ortiz, delivering a raw, emotional portrayal of trauma and determination.
• Aaron Paul as Brion adds ambiguity and intensity to a character whose presence begs the question: friend or phantom?
• Supporting cast Iko Uwais, Kate Elliott, Beulah Koale, and Flying Lotus himself round out the crew fatalities.
• Directed and scored by Flying Lotus, with screenplay by Jonni Remmler.

Premiere, Release, and Reception

Ash premiered at SXSW on March 11, 2025, followed by a wide theatrical release on March 21, 2025, via RLJE Films and Shudder in the U.S.; later it became available internationally on Prime Video.

The film earned approximately $1.1 million at the box office and received generally positive reviews, praised for performances, visuals, sound design, and the director’s distinctive style.

Why Ash Stands Out

• Visual and sonic intensity: Critics note its “visual dynamism” and “head‑trip” effects reminiscent of cinematic video games.
• Psychological depth: Reviews compare it to Dead Space, Prometheus, and Solaris, while puzzling the audience with memory and identity uncertainty.
• A unique directorial voice: Flying Lotus brings a psychedelic, experimental style that earned it a “visual concept album” label.

Themes Explored

• Memory and trust: Riya’s unreliable recollections raise the big question: Can you trust yourself?
• Alien parasitism: As the truth unfolds, the parasite’s role turns the film into a disturbing body horror experience.
• Isolation and survival: Alone on a hostile planet, Riya’s fight becomes a raw test of survival and sanity.

Audience and Critical Response

On Rotten Tomatoes, Ash holds a solid 70% approval, with critics praising its style and atmosphere. According to RogerEbert.com, Flying Lotus achieves a “B‑movie at the highest levels of craftsmanship.” Reddit reactions focus on striking visuals, while some viewers criticize storytelling and pacing.

Why You Should Watch Ash

If you’re seeking a sci‑fi horror that defies formula and leans into surreal aesthetics, Ash is a compelling experience. With strong performances and tension that lingers beyond its 95‑minute runtime, it’s a fascinating entry in modern sci‑fi horror.

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