Eiza Gonzalez & Aaron Paul star in this intense story.

by Rosa Parra

“Ash,” directed by Flying Lotus, stars Eiza González, Aaron Paul, Iko Uwais, Kate Elliott, and Beulah Koale. The film follows Riya (played by González), the sole survivor of a series of mysterious events that led to the deaths of her crew. She embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind what happened.. 

This sci-fi horror film offers thrilling, neon-soaked visuals and a captivating storyline that becomes increasingly engaging as it unfolds. Eiza González proves herself to be a talented actress, skillfully conveying a wide range of emotions, from drama to fear, and at times, sheer terror. Her performance is both believable and impactful. Aaron Paul also delivers a strong performance in this film.

The standout aspect of this film is undoubtedly its visual and sound effects. Visually, the film is stunning, featuring highly stylish shots. The use of shadows, red neon lights, and a mix of medium and close-up shots exemplifies the director’s vision while paying homage to the genre. The sound effects amplify the vastness of space and enhance the horror of loneliness. In this case, the soundtrack acts as an additional character that serves as a storytelling device. We spend a lot of time with Riya, and the sound effects and soundtrack help convey her confusion and fear of being alone in a spaceship.

The film features moments of horror as Riya’s character experiences flashbacks, struggling to determine whether they are genuine memories or manipulated ones. Although the film has a slow start, it effectively builds up to a highly kinetic and unforgettable third act. As the story progresses, it becomes intense, bloody, and quite thrilling. 

While it may not invent a new genre, the film employs a visually and audibly stylish approach to sci-fi horror. Although it can be seen as a derivative of iconic films—because, to some extent, it is—it also utilizes unique filmmaking techniques that allow it to stand apart and distinguish itself as something original. 

Overall, “Ash” is a highly stylish and gritty sci-fi horror film that is best enjoyed on the biggest screen possible. While it’s not the most original story, it is executed strongly enough to entertain and provide 90 minutes of distraction.

Rating: 7 out of 10.