His 2017 debutKusocombined the darkest of dark comedy, raunchiness, and loads of gross-out body horror.
If you’ve seen movies likeAlienandThe Thing, then you will already have a slight idea of whatAshis.
The result isa stylish and entertaining 90 minutes that often gets trapped in its own ambition.
Image via RLJE Films
What Is ‘Ash’ About?
Yet, for survive, she’s left with no choice but to trust this stranger.
This all culminates inthe big twist that is clearly telegraphed in the first 15 minutes of the movie.
Image via RLJE Films/Shudder
Flying Lotus' direction elevates the movie beyond its predictability.
Despite the low budget,Ashis filled with trippy visuals and moments of gnarly violence.
You might not care too much about the characters themselves, butAshdefinitely isn’t boring.
Thankfully,Ashfinally gives it to her.
While yes, Riya isn’t the most developed or complex character, Gonzalez makes her far more interesting.
Despite being given so little, she turns Riya into a badass sleuthing hero.
Gonzalez, additionally, has a terrific back-and-forth with Aaron Paul.
Brion is a character that is intentionally left vague.
It feels like a waste of both of their talents.
Ashfeels too familiar, which is disappointing coming from such an idiosyncratic filmmaker like Flying Lotus.
Ashpremiered at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival and opens in theaters on March 21.
