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Movie of the Day: Ash (2025) by Flying Lotus

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Apr 22
  • 8 min read

"Ash (2025)" by Flying Lotus: A Psychedelic Sci-Fi Horror Trip

"Ash (2025)" is a science fiction horror film directed by the acclaimed musician and filmmaker Flying Lotus, from a screenplay by Jonni Remmler. The movie plunges viewers into a disorienting mystery aboard a desolate space station, marked by stunning visuals and a pervasive sense of dread.   

Detailed Summary

Set on a distant, mysterious planet, "Ash" follows the कहानी (kahani - story) of Riya (Eiza González), a lone astronaut who awakens to a horrifying discovery: her entire crew has been brutally murdered. Suffering from amnesia, with only fragmented and nightmarish memories, Riya is left to piece together the events that led to the massacre. Her isolation is broken by the arrival of Brion (Aaron Paul), a fellow astronaut ostensibly sent to rescue her. However, Riya's fractured memory and the strange occurrences on the station breed paranoia, leaving her unable to discern whether Brion is truly a rescuer or a threat. The film unfolds as a psychological and physical ordeal, blending elements of survival horror, mystery, and mind-bending visuals as Riya grapples with her lost identity and the terrifying truth of what happened to her crew. Iko Uwais, Kate Elliott, Beulah Koale, and Flying Lotus also feature in the cast.   

Plot Summary

The plot centers on Riya, an astronaut who wakes up on a distant planet with amnesia and her crew dead. A supposed rescuer, Brion, arrives, but Riya's fragmented memories and the eerie circumstances make it difficult for her to trust him as they navigate the horrors of the space station.   

Director's Vision

Flying Lotus, known for his experimental music and previous boundary-pushing film "Kuso," brings a distinct artistic sensibility to "Ash." His vision for the film, as revealed in interviews, was to elevate a familiar sci-fi premise with vivid visuals, a throbbing soundscape (which he also composed), and a focus on perception and memory. He drew inspiration from filmmakers like Terrence Malick and Jean-Pierre Jeunet for visual style, horror masters like John Carpenter and David Cronenberg for atmosphere and body horror, and even the psychological dread of the Silent Hill video game series. Flying Lotus aimed for a more accessible narrative compared to "Kuso" but still infused "Ash" with his signature trippy and sometimes grotesque aesthetic. He expressed interest in exploring themes of identity through the lens of Riya's amnesia and the unreliable nature of memory.

Themes

  • Memory and Identity: The film explores how memory shapes our identity and the disorienting terror of losing one's past.

  • Paranoia and Trust: The arrival of a potential rescuer in a deadly situation raises questions of whom to trust when reality is uncertain.   

  • Isolation and Survival: The desolate setting and the fight for survival against unknown horrors highlight the psychological and physical toll of extreme isolation.

  • Psychological vs. Physical Horror: The movie blends psychological thrills stemming from Riya's amnesia and paranoia with visceral body horror and gore related to the crew's fate.

  • The Unreliable Narrator/Perception: Riya's fragmented memories and potential hallucinations challenge the viewer's perception of what is real.

Key Success Factors

Based on initial reception and reviews, key success factors for "Ash" include:

  • Distinct Visual Style and Atmosphere: Flying Lotus's unique aesthetic, characterized by vibrant color grading (particularly reds and purples) and unsettling imagery, contributes significantly to the film's immersive and unsettling atmosphere.

  • Flying Lotus's Score: His original score is noted as a crucial element in building tension and enhancing the film's psychological and horrific elements.

  • Strong Central Performance: Eiza González's portrayal of Riya has been highlighted as a compelling anchor for the film's narrative and emotional core.

  • Effective Blend of Genres: The film's ability to successfully merge science fiction, horror, and psychological thriller elements has resonated with some critics and audiences.

Summary Short

"Ash" is a 2025 sci-fi horror film by Flying Lotus about an astronaut with amnesia who wakes up to find her crew dead and must decide if a newly arrived man is there to rescue or harm her amidst terrifying visions and a deadly mystery.   

Awards and Nominations

The film was a Nominee for the Audience Award in the Headliner category at the SXSW Film Festival in 2025.   

Critics Reception

Initial critical reception for "Ash (2025)" appears generally positive, though with some reservations.

  • Rotten Tomatoes: Based on 81 critic reviews, the film holds a "Fresh" rating of 74%, with an average rating of 6/10. The consensus states: "Flying Lotus' Ash delivers the phantasmagorical goods with vivid visuals and a throbbing soundscape, elevating a predictable sci-fi story into a memorably stylish head-trip."   

  • Metacritic: Assigned a weighted average score of 63 out of 100 based on 16 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."   

  • IndieWire (Katie Rife): Graded the film a B-, praising its use of jarring, nightmarish cut-ins reminiscent of Brandon Cronenberg and calling it "very much a horror movie, and a freaky one at times."

  • RogerEbert.com (Zachary Lee): Gave the film three stars out of four, noting that while it doesn't reinvent the genre, Flying Lotus "knows when to subvert tropes and when to lean into them," resulting in a "thrilling" B-movie executed with high craftsmanship and intrigue.

  • Dread Central: Praised the film for elevating a familiar sci-fi story with "stunningly hellish visuals" and detailed world-building, highlighting the strong core performances and the effective use of first-person perspective.

  • Grow Omaha (Chris Corey): Gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, calling it a "Tense Sci-Fi Horror With Psychological Twists" and noting that it tells a convincing story and keeps you guessing, despite not breaking new ground in the genre. The review praised the directing, writing, and cinematography.

  • IMDb User Reviews: User reviews on IMDb are more mixed, with some praising the atmosphere, acting, and horror elements, while others criticize the editing, plot holes, and perceived lack of depth compared to similar films.

Overall Summary: Critics generally lauded "Ash" for its striking visual style, immersive atmosphere, and Flying Lotus's direction and musical score. Eiza González's performance also received positive mentions. While some found the story predictable or the execution flawed in certain areas, many agreed that the film's unique aesthetic and ambitious blend of psychological and body horror made it a memorable and worthwhile watch, particularly for fans of the genre and Flying Lotus's artistic style.   

Reviews

Reviews from sites like IndieWire, RogerEbert.com, Dread Central, and Grow Omaha generally commend "Ash" for its visual and atmospheric strengths, attributing them to Flying Lotus's distinct style and score. Critics noted the film's ability to create a sense of unease and deliver effective horror moments. However, some reviews, including user reviews on IMDb, pointed out weaknesses in the narrative's originality or execution, suggesting that the style sometimes overshadowed the substance. Despite the mixed points, the film's ambitious nature and successful creation of a specific mood were frequently highlighted.   

Box Office

As of the available information, "Ash (2025)" has grossed approximately $1.1 million worldwide against a reported budget of $500,000. In the United States, the film had an opening weekend gross of $689,144 from 1,136 theaters.   

Production

"Ash (2025)" was produced with a reported budget of $500,000. Filming took place in New Zealand, utilizing an Arri Alexa 35 camera. Miniatures were created by Adam Makarenko, and the film was edited using Media Composer. Flying Lotus not only directed and wrote the music but also appeared in the film as an actor.   

Production Companies

  • XYZ Films: (Country: United States) - Involved as a production company.   

  • Brainfeeder Films: (Country: United States) - Flying Lotus's production company, also involved.   

  • GFC Films: (Country: Not specified in detail, likely New Zealand given filming location or associated with key personnel) - Involved as a production company.   

  • General Film Corporation: (Country: Not specified in detail) - Also listed as a production company.

  • IPR.VC: - Involved in association with the production.   

Sales Companies

Specific information about sales companies for "Ash (2025)" is not readily available in the public domain.

Distribution Companies

  • RLJE Films: (Country: United States) - Distributed the film theatrically in the United States.

  • Shudder: (Country: United States) - Involved in the US distribution, also a streaming service specializing in horror.   

  • Amazon Prime Video: (Country: United States - International Distribution) - Acquired international streaming rights for the film.   

  • MVK: (Country: Russia) - Distributed the film theatrically in Russia.

  • AMC+: (Country: United States) - Involved in VOD and video distribution in the United States.   

  • Apple TV+: (Country: United States - International Distribution) - Also listed for VOD and video distribution worldwide.

Release Date on Streaming

"Ash (2025)" is set to be released on VOD and digital platforms on April 22nd, 2025. It will be available for international streaming on Amazon Prime Video and worldwide VOD/video through platforms like Apple TV+.

Theatrical Release

"Ash (2025)" had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 11, 2025. It received a theatrical release in the United States on March 21, 2025, and in Canada and Mexico on the same date. It also had early access screenings in the United States on March 19, 2025, and a theatrical release in Russia in 2025.   

Why to Recommend This Movie

  • For Fans of Visually Distinctive Sci-Fi Horror: The film's unique and psychedelic visual style, combined with its horror elements, offers a fresh aesthetic experience in the genre.

  • Flying Lotus's Artistic Vision: Audiences interested in the work of Flying Lotus, particularly his evolution as a filmmaker and composer, will find this a compelling watch.

  • Atmospheric and Psychological Dread: The movie excels at building a strong sense of atmosphere and exploring psychological horror alongside its more visceral moments.

Why to Watch Movie

  • Experience a Unique Audiovisual Journey: The combination of Flying Lotus's direction and score creates a distinct and immersive sensory experience.

  • See a Bold Independent Film: "Ash" represents an ambitious genre film made on a relatively modest budget, showcasing creativity within constraints.

  • Engage with Psychological and Body Horror: If you are a fan of films that delve into the darker aspects of the human mind and feature unsettling physical transformations or gore, "Ash" delivers on these fronts.

What Movie Trend film is following

The film aligns with the trend of musicians transitioning into film directing, bringing their unique artistic perspectives and often a strong emphasis on sound and visuals to cinema. It also fits within the trend of atmospheric and psychologically driven science fiction horror, prioritizing mood and character headspace alongside genre scares.

What Big Social Trend is following

While not overtly focused on a specific contemporary social issue in its primary narrative, the film's exploration of identity, memory, and the fragility of the human mind resonates with broader societal interests in mental health and the complexities of human consciousness. Its themes of isolation and paranoia can also be seen as reflecting anxieties present in the modern world.

Final Verdict

"Ash (2025)" is a compelling, albeit imperfect, foray into science fiction horror by Flying Lotus. Its greatest strengths lie in its stunning visual design, immersive atmosphere, and a captivating central performance by Eiza González, all underscored by Flying Lotus's effective and unsettling score. While the narrative may tread familiar ground at times and some critics noted script or editing weaknesses, the film's unique artistic vision and ambitious blend of psychological and body horror make it a worthwhile watch, particularly for fans of the director's work or those seeking a visually striking and atmospheric genre experience. It's a testament to Flying Lotus's evolving talent as a filmmaker and his ability to create a distinct and memorable cinematic world on a contained budget.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

  • Leverage Existing Artistic Strengths: Filmmakers with backgrounds in other artistic disciplines, such as music or visual arts, should embrace their unique skills to inform and elevate their cinematic vision.

  • Prioritize Atmosphere and Sensory Experience: For genre films, particularly horror and sci-fi, investing in strong atmosphere through visuals and sound design can significantly enhance the audience's immersion and the film's impact, even with budget limitations.

  • Build a Strong Collaborative Team: Working with talented actors and technical crew who understand and support the director's vision is crucial for realizing an ambitious project on a modest budget.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

  • Support Cross-Disciplinary Talent: The industry should continue to provide opportunities for artists from diverse backgrounds to transition into filmmaking, recognizing the fresh perspectives and innovative approaches they can bring.

  • Invest in Atmospheric and Concept-Driven Genre Films: Beyond big-budget blockbusters, there is an appetite for genre films that prioritize atmosphere, unique concepts, and psychological depth, which can often be made effectively on smaller budgets.

  • Recognize the Importance of Sound and Score: Acknowledge the critical role of original music and sound design in creating a film's mood and enhancing its emotional and psychological impact, and support filmmakers who prioritize these elements.



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