The Premise: A Nightmare in Deep Space
Ash opens with a gut-punch: Astronaut Riya (Eiza González) awakens on a derelict space station orbiting the planet K.O.I.-442, nicknamed “Ash.” Her crew lies slaughtered—some stabbed, others torn apart—and her memories are fragmented. The only company? Brion (Aaron Paul), a fellow survivor who may not be what he seems. As Riya pieces together the truth, she uncovers a Lovecraftian horror: an alien parasite manipulating her perception, turning the station into a labyrinth of paranoia and gore .
Director Flying Lotus (Steven Ellison) blends Alien’s claustrophobia with The Thing’s body horror, but the film’s real strength is its atmosphere. The station’s flickering lights, the planet’s unnatural violet haze, and a score echoing John Carpenter’s synths create a relentless sense of unease .
OTT Release Details
Here’s where and when to stream Ash:
| Platform | Region | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Shudder (US) | United States | March 21, 2025 |
| Amazon Prime Video | International | June 27, 2025 |
| RLJE Films | Theatrical (US) | March 21, 2025 |
Note: Dates may vary by region. Check platforms for updates.
The Good: What Works
- Eiza González’s Gritty Performance
González carries the film as Riya, balancing vulnerability and ferocity. Her physicality sells the horror—whether she’s performing a DIY medbot surgery or wrestling with hallucinations. Critics praise her as “the emotional core of a cold, mechanical world” . - Cosmic Horror Done Right
The parasite’s reveal—a nanotech entity warping reality—elevates Ash beyond generic sci-fi. The finale, where Riya battles an infected Brion corpse, channels Resident Evil’s grotesque action . - Flying Lotus’ Vision
Despite budget constraints, the director’s DIY VFX (learned from YouTube tutorials) and practical sets create immersion. The planet’s design, inspired by Dead Space, is a standout .
The Bad: Where It Stumbles
- Pacing & Editing Issues
Repetitive flashbacks and a sluggish second act drain tension. One critic notes: “By the fourth flashback, you already knew the twist” . - Underwhelming CGI
The parasite’s design—criticized as “glorified screen static”—pales next to practical effects. Even fans admit the CGI clashes with the film’s aesthetic . - Derivative Story Beats
From Alien’s chestburster tropes to Event Horizon’s hellish visions, Ash rarely innovates. Aaron Paul’s Brion feels underutilized, a far cry from his Breaking Bad depth .
Verdict: Who Should Watch?
Ash is a 7/10 for:
- Cosmic horror fans craving existential dread.
- Eiza González completists.
- Viewers who forgive flaws for moody visuals.
Skip if you prefer tight scripts or original monsters.
Behind the Scenes Trivia
- Flying Lotus composed the score in two weeks, inspired by “angry, distorted jazz” .
- Iko Uwais’ role was cut to a 2-minute fight scene—a waste of the The Raid star’s talent .
- The ending’s Resident Evil-style battle was filmed in a repurposed door factory .
Disclaimer
Some details in this post (e.g., OTT dates, minor plot points) are sourced from AI-generated research and may change. Cross-check with official platforms for updates. Poster descriptions are conceptual and not affiliated with the film’s marketing team.
Final Thoughts
Ash isn’t perfect, but its ambition and González’s performance make it a fascinating mess. For a deeper dive into cosmic horror, check out The Empty Man or Annihilation—or revisit Alien for a masterclass in tension.
What did you think of Ash? Let’s debate in the comments!