The cinematic collaboration between Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul and 3 Body Problem's Eiza González has generated significant buzz with their new sci-fi horror film ASH. Following its premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, the movie has landed an impressive 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 22 critic reviews. This strong debut marks a promising start for director Flying Lotus' latest genre-bending project, which blends psychological tension with cosmic horror elements.
A Stellar Cast Comes Together
What happens when you combine the raw intensity of Aaron Paul with the versatile talent of Eiza González? ASH answers this question by pairing two of Hollywood's most compelling performers in a high-stakes space thriller. Paul, who became a household name through his iconic role as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, has continued to demonstrate his range across various genres, from the video game adaptation Need for Speed to Ridley Scott's biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings.
González's journey to ASH has been equally impressive. After breaking out internationally with her role as Santanico Pandemonium in Robert Rodriguez's TV adaptation of From Dusk till Dawn, she has appeared in major productions including Edgar Wright's Baby Driver, Alita: Battle Angel, Godzilla vs. Kong, and most recently as Auggie in Netflix's 3 Body Problem, for which she's confirmed to return for season 2.
The Premise: Memory Loss in Deep Space
ASH centers on González's character Riya, an astronaut who awakens to a nightmare scenario: the entire crew of her space station has been murdered on a distant planet, and she has no memory of her identity or what transpired. The film's tension builds as Riya encounters Brion (played by Paul), a man who claims to have come to her rescue. But in this isolated environment where trust becomes a matter of life and death, can she really believe his intentions?
Key Film Details:
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Release Date: March 21, 2025
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Runtime: 95 minutes
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Director: Flying Lotus
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Main Genre: Horror
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Additional Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller
The supporting cast includes action star Iko Uwais (The Raid), Belulah Koale, Kate Elliott, and Flying Lotus himself, creating an ensemble that brings diverse talents to this claustrophobic space thriller.
Critical Reception: Why the High Score?
With 20 of the 22 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes earning "Fresh" ratings, ASH has demonstrated remarkable consistency in its critical appeal. Even the more mixed reviews tend toward the positive side of the spectrum. ScreenRant's Mae Abdulbaki, who gave the film a 5/10 rating, still classified it as "Fresh" while noting: "ASH has highs and lows. Its tension can overshadow its thin character development. To keep the mystery going, the film had to keep us at arm's length."
Review Score Breakdown:
| Rating Category | Number of Reviews | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Ratings | 20 | 91% |
| Rotten Ratings | 2 | 9% |
Interestingly, the film began with a perfect 100% rating on the platform before settling at its current 91% score. With the official release still a week away at the time of writing, there's potential for further fluctuation, but the overwhelmingly positive trend suggests ASH will maintain its strong standing.
Flying Lotus: From Musician to Genre Director
Steven Ellison, known professionally as Flying Lotus, continues to establish himself as a multifaceted creative force. The musician-turned-filmmaker previously wrote and directed 2017's Kuso and contributed the "Ozzy's Dungeon" segment to V/H/S/99. With ASH, he demonstrates growing confidence in blending horror and science fiction elements while maintaining the distinctive visual style that has become his trademark.
What Does This Mean for Shudder?
The strong early reception bodes well for ASH's performance on the Shudder streaming platform. As horror-focused streaming services continue to gain traction, high-profile acquisitions like ASH could significantly boost Shudder's position in the competitive streaming landscape. The platform has been building momentum with successful releases including the V/H/S/ franchise and the viral hit Late Night with the Devil.
Could ASH become the next breakout horror hit for the platform? The combination of star power, critical acclaim, and Flying Lotus' unique vision certainly positions it for success. The film's ability to balance genuine horror elements with science fiction mystery creates a compelling package that appeals to multiple audience segments.
Final Thoughts
As March 21, 2025 approaches, anticipation continues to build for ASH's wide release. The film represents not just another sci-fi horror entry, but a convergence of talented actors expanding their repertoire, a visionary director refining his craft, and a streaming platform potentially securing its next flagship title. With its strong SXSW reception and promising Rotten Tomatoes score, ASH appears poised to deliver the kind of memorable, chilling experience that horror and science fiction fans crave.