The film’s critics have praised it as a sci-fi thriller that mixes the two with high praise for its originality, mood as well as visuals. Eiza Gonzalez as well as Aaron Paul deliver strong performances and the direction of Flying Lotus as well as the elements of cosmic horror, get favorable reviews. But, there are criticisms regarding the plot’s execution, pace and editing. They are being deemed to be derivative and non-original. However, the CGI as well as special effects tend to be inadequate, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite the compelling finale however, the film fails to satisfy or engage an impressive audience. SSRmovies.
Ash (2025)
IMDb: 4.6/10 || Size: See below ▼ ||
Genres: Monster Horror, Psychological Horror, Mystery, Sci-fi
Director: Flying Lotus
Writers: Jonni Remmler
Stars: Eiza González, Aaron Pau, Iko Uwais
A woman wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed. Her investigation into what happened sets in motion a terrifying chain of events.
Read our full spoiler-free review below.
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Ash 2025 Movie Review
Flying Lotus, the visionary music director and producer who is behind Kuso Kuso, is back on large screen in the film Ash (2025), the sci-fi thriller that combines horror and cosmic exploration. The film stars Eiza Gonzalez Aaron Paul, and Iko Uwais, Ash transports us to an alternate universe where an unassuming astronaut solves an unsettling mystery in the midst of the midst of a series of terrifying incidents. With its stunning images and a haunting score created by Flying Lotus himself, this film aims to redefine what is possible in the genre of sci-fi horror.
Is Ash succeed in delivering on its ambitious concept, or will it fall apart in the midst of expectations? This is a comprehensive review of its plot, characters images, themes, and the critical reaction.
A Descent Into Madness
Ash 2025 is quick in making viewers fall in love with its compelling concept. Riya Ortiz (Eiza Gonzalez) wakes up in the planet of a deserted, alien world in a research facility for scientists. Her memory of her previous life is scattered and she is lost in the destruction of her dead crew. Her lonely, tense solitude is shattered by Brion (Aaron Paul) an astronaut from a different station, appears, claiming that he has responded to her distress call. The next episode is an intense investigation into the tragic loss of the crew that is unraveled through flashbacks in fragments as well as cryptic revelations and increasing fear.
In addition, there are bizarre incidents linked to alien technology for terraforming all over the planet and suggesting that Earth’s survival could be dependent on this hostile planet. A mysterious virus appears to be the source of the crew’s grim fate and is threatening to eat Riya’s moral sanity as she race through the night to get away from from the planet.
This thrilling setup is enhanced by the psychological and body horror elements that are reminiscent of classics such as Alien or the Thing. The script isn’t perfect in certain moments because of pacing issues however, the tension that runs through it is evident throughout.
Stellar Performances Anchored By Eiza Gonzalez
Eiza Gonzalez delivers a visceral and emotionally complex performance as Riya hero, portraying the character’s disintegrating psyche and spiralling paranoia with great depth. Her portrayal is equally confident and vulnerable and allows the audience to connect her struggles and doubt her authenticity.
Aaron Paul complements Gonzalez’s intensity with a performance soaked in subtle ambiguity as Brion. The relationship between the two leads fluctuates between camaraderie and tension, making viewers wonder about Brion’s motives. In the meantime, Iko Uwais shines in short screen time, providing an unsettling, yet grounded performance of Adhi the leader of the team who’s fate plays an important role in the plot.
The other cast members, such as Kate Elliott and Beulah Koale complete the cast efficiently, even though their short screen time has left some character arcs that aren’t fully developed.
Flying Lotus’s Cinematic Vision
Flying Lotus brings his distinctive artistic flair in the Ash 2025 creating an experience that’s visually captivating as it is tense. Cinematography by Richard Bluck capitalizes on the stunning beauty and emptiness of the desert landscape and juxtaposes sprawling planetary landscapes with the cramped rooms of the facility. Lighting, shadows, and sharp camera angles are employed with skill to intensify the sense of terror.
Lotus’s musical background can be seen in the film’s eerie sound design. The score, which is influenced by composers such as John Carpenter, pulsates with electronic dread, enhancing the film’s mood and tension. While certain CGI elements aren’t impressive however, the effects that are practical and the eerie setting design make up for it, particularly when there are moments of body horror.
Themes of Isolation and Survival
The heart in the Ash 2025 is an exploration of separation and trust as well as survival. Riya’s declining mental state reflects the vastness of the world, blurring the boundaries between reality and hallucinations. The film also explores larger issues of humanity’s fragile relationship to nature and technology.
Although the themes are fascinating but they’re not always fully realized. Certain themes, like the alien terraforming devices have awe-inspiring appeal but aren’t clear enough and leave some threads not explored. The symbolic underpinnings of the illness as a reflection on inner conflict provide psychological dimension.
Mixed Critical Reception
Reviewers have been giving reviews of Ash 2025 an uneven reception. In Rotten Tomatoes, the film is rated 72% with an approval rate, while Metacritic gives it a score of 63. A majority of reviewers have praised Flying Lotus’s bold vision as well as the performances by Gonzalez and Paul and the film’s imaginative visuals. Others, however, criticize the film’s unoriginal storytelling, unbalanced pacing and occasionally, a absence of focus.
Katie Rife of IndieWire describes Ash as an “freaky and phantasmagoric sci-fi spectacle,” calling its visual acuity to that of Brandon Cronenberg’s film Possessor. On the other hand other critics say it is a clone of genre classics, without bringing enough originality.
The returns at the box office have been low and only $1.1 million being earned worldwide due to its niche appeal. However, Ash has found a devoted fan base among those who enjoy artistic and horror.
Is Ash Worth Watching?
Although it might not be able to achieve an exemplary narrative, it’s an impressive and memorable entry into the genre of sci-fi horror. Flying Lotus delivers a unique sensory experience that combines stunning images and an eerie soundscape with a sense of dread. Eiza Gonzalez’s commanding performance as well as the film’s chilling mood make it a compelling film for those who love the genre.
For those who are willing to forgo its flaws in narrative in favor of creative ambition, Ash is a thrilling journey into the dark side of the universe. Are you interested to know what’s in the universe’s abyss? Take a look at Ash 2025 now and make a decision on your own.
