Anna Daniels
Flying Lotus, an innovative musician and director, is set to unveil his new film, Ash. This sci-fi horror outing is his first full-length feature since the experimental Kuso in 2017. With Ash, he aims for a more structured storyline. The teaser portrays a chilling atmosphere in a perilous alien realm, where Riya, portrayed by Eiza González, awakens to the ominous slaughter of her crew aboard a space station. As she seeks to solve this horrific puzzle, Brion, played by Aaron Paul, introduces a challenging layer of trust and survival.
Filmed in New Zealand, Ash utilizes a highly skilled crew familiar with iconic sci-fi and fantasy productions, notably from Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. This elevated production quality is evident in the teaser, showcasing striking visuals and a profound sense of isolation reminiscent of both Alien and Scavengers Reign.
The film boasts a strong cast, including Iko Uwais, Kate Elliott, Beulah Koale, and Flying Lotus himself. The screenplay is penned by Swiss writer Jonni Remmler, recognized for Das Quartett. Although Ash has yet to debut at any festivals, excitement is mounting, especially with RLJE Films set to give it a limited theatrical run in early 2025 before it streams on Shudder.
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The teaser for Ash indicates a captivating mix of psychological tension and raw horror. Flying Lotus’ shift to a more narrative-driven direction shows promise, and with a skilled ensemble cast and breathtaking visuals, the film is poised to attract audiences from both the horror and sci-fi genres. The unsettling tone sets it apart as a must-watch.
What do you believe are the key elements that create a memorable sci-fi horror film? Is it the storyline, the imagery, or perhaps something else?
