We have all been on pins and needles awaiting the new Flying Lotus film, Ash. Anyone even remotely familiar with the artist probably leaned in when they discovered this film was set in space. FlyLo fans will enjoy that he’s all over this film serving as director, composer, and even in a supporting role. As a filmmaker, he has birthed Kuso and an unforgettable segment in V/H/S/99. So, saying expectations were high at the SXSW world premiere is an understatement.
Ash Channels Alien and the Thing in Mind Bending Ways
Ash feels outside of time. It’s somehow futuristic but also heavily influenced by the sci-fi horror that came before it. This makes sense, as we all know Flying Lotus is a film buff. So, nods to John Carpenter’s The Thing and Ridley Scott’s Alien feel at home in this film. We also know he was a huge fan and collaborator of the late David Lynch, so we expect his art to live outside the box.
Ash opens with a bang and makes the audience catch up. Riya (Eiza González) wakes up on a distant planet surrounded by the bodies of her crew. She is joined by Brion (Aaron Paul), who also wants to get to the bottom of whatever happened on this ship. However, as they begin to investigate the vicious murders, Riya unknowingly sets in motion a terrifying chain of events. This is especially stressful because she is having difficulty remembering anything helpful.
I’m not going to lie. The movie is fun but confusing. As a sci-fi girl, I am used to timey wimey shenanigans. However, Jonni Remmler’s script might require multiple viewings to fully understand what is going on. While it is directed in a fun and frenetic way that makes this world feel like the coolest video game you have not played, it also feels like a huge puzzle. A puzzle that I am not sure if the pieces actually fit or not. Riya’s haircut in the present day, but longer hair in the recent flashbacks made me feel like I missed something. It is one of the many things I am looking for answers to when I see the film again.
Eiza González Shines as Riya in ‘Ash’
I love that Ash is Eiza González’s breakout role. While I hate that it takes this long for Brown women to get anywhere in this industry, I love that she’s leading something of this magnitude. In too many movies, she would be reduced to whatever role had the least screen time as we follow Aaron Paul on this adventure. So, if nothing else, I love that Ash is for the space girls and is shaking the table in that way. The film works as a vehicle for González to show she is more than capable of the roles she’s not even being considered for.
One of the things that works for Ash is that it feels like a video game in the best ways possible. As Riya’s memories are pieced together, and the predictable story unfolds, it feels comforting. Almost in the same way as a good survival horror game. We know a new Resident Evil isn’t going to reinvent the wheel. However, we do know it is going to get the adrenaline going and give us a dose of serotonin. We enjoy any razzle-dazzle but are mainly pulling up for the chaos we crave. Ash definitely fits in that vibe.
Ash crash lands in theaters on March 21.
