Flying Lotus’ ‘Ash’: A Visually Striking but Derivative Sci-Fi Horror

AUSTIN, Texas — The highly anticipated sci-fi horror film ‘Ash‘ opens in theaters on Friday, March 21, 2025, and will soon be available for streaming on Shudder. The film, directed by music producer and DJ Flying Lotus, attempts to capture the chilling essence of survival horror in space, drawing influences from popular franchises like ‘Dead Space’ and ‘Alien.’

The narrative begins with Riya Ortis, portrayed by Eiza González, who wakes up in a desolate space station that has crashed on an isolated planet. Red warning lights flicker, and the presence of dead bodies sets a foreboding tone. As Riya navigates her surroundings, she grapples with fragmented memories and an overwhelming sense of confusion regarding her identity and situation.

Trapped in this nightmare, her struggle to piece together the events leading to the crash takes a turn when Brion, played by Aaron Paul, appears. He claims to be a crewmate who responded to a distress call but adds a layer of complexity and uncertainty to Riya’s situation.

While Riya searches for answers, it becomes evident that ‘Ash’ borrows heavily from other narratives rather than innovate on its own. Critics have noted that the film feels derivative, recalling not only the tense atmosphere of ‘Dead Space’ but also the psychological distortions seen in ‘Event Horizon.’ This is epitomized by Riya’s repetitive cycle of awakening, investigation, and nightmarish visions. The screenplay is criticized for its convoluted plotting that fails to deliver a coherent story.

The lack of character development is another concern, as Riya’s crew members, who might be significant to the plot, often serve merely as fodder for the lurking alien threats. Supporting actor Iko Uwais, who plays Riya’s boss, Adhi, is described as underutilized, with the film offering little substance for him to portray a compelling character. González’s performance is equally underwhelming; while she captures the vulnerability of a survivor, she struggles to channel the strength and resilience characteristic of strong female leads.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, ‘Ash’ does exhibit impressive visual and auditory elements. Flying Lotus’s work shines in the film’s production design, successfully creating an immersive, claustrophobic atmosphere. The haunting soundtrack complements the eerie visuals, enhancing the film’s horror experience.

While the premise of ‘Ash’ offers rich potential for storytelling, the execution fails to leave a lasting impact. The film showcases imaginative visuals and capabilities but ultimately succumbs to a lackluster plot filled with clichés. As the movie unfolds over 95 minutes, audiences may find themselves yearning for a more streamlined narrative—perhaps a story that could have effectively been told in a fraction of the time.

With expectations set high by Flying Lotus’s prior work, ‘Ash’ ultimately disappoints despite its ambition. Fans of the genre may appreciate the visuals and sound, but many could find the narrative disappointing and forgettable.