'Ash' Review: This Hyper-Pop Survival Horror Swings Big
Grammy Award-winning creative Flying Lotus is back with another stylized sci-fi conception in the Eiza González-led thriller, Ash. No stranger to the feature film world (see: 2018's Perfect and 2022's V/H/S/99), Flying Lotus takes on a slightly different approach to the genre by incorporating heavy doses of survival horror. Making its World Premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Audience Award, Ash lands in theaters this Friday, March 21st.
Amnesia Amidst Aliens Leads to Dire Consequences
Starring Eiza González and Aaron Paul, Ash tells the story of forgotten memory, fragile trust, and the mysterious circumstances aboard a space shuttle stranded on a foreign planet. Riya (González) awakens one morning to find her crew slaughtered, but how they got that way remains a mystery. She has no recollection of that night, and every detail of events prior is fuzzy and unreachable. Stranded and alone, Riya is forced to confront her dire circumstances and impending death sentence. However, it's not long before Brion (Paul) arrives to rescue her. What should be a joyous relief is instead met with hesitation, and an ordeal of psychological and physical terror ensues. Can Riya trust Brion–a stranger–enough to survive?
An Homage to the Video Game Aesthetic
Visually and tonally, the film feels like a hyper-pop montage taken straight out of a video game. From the dialogue delivery to the framing and fight scenes, Ash feels bigger than its indie film budget. The music, composed by Flying Lotus, who also stars in the film in addition to directing, is a blast of high-octane beats and energy. The visual effects stand out as well, especially in the first-person "video game-inspired" combat scenes (complete with flame throwers).
The chemistry between Eiza González and Aaron Paul is accurately intense. They play well off each other's strengths, with Eiza leaning into the seriousness of the dramatics and Aaron's demeanor providing necessary tension relief.
Takeaway
Full of twists and turns ripe for a cinematic psychological thriller, Ash is another genre-bending statement by Flying Lotus. More artful than the traditional narrative feature, Ash is a visual and sonic feast for the eyes and ears.
'Liquor Bank' Review: Surviving the Dark Times With Brotherly Love
Filmmaker Marcellus Cox crafts a poignant story of redemption in the short drama, Liquor Bank. Based on the true story of an ex-Marine who struggles with alcohol dependency, Liquor Bank is a touching portrayal of commitment to betterment and unconditional brotherly love.
Dark Moments Give Way to Strong Survivors
It's morning when Eddie's (Antwone Barnes) phone alarm rings incessantly on his nightstand. Next to the device lay empty beer bottles, presumably from last night's consumption. Eddie lets the alarm go off for longer than it should, as he doesn't seem in a rush to wake up and begin his day. His hesitancy indicates that he is already anxious about what is to come. Soon enough, we understand why Eddie is overwhelmed. Last night would have been his first sobriety anniversary, and yet he missed it to stay home and drink.
As Eddie lingers around his apartment, he is confronted by his sponsor, Baker (Sean Alexander James). Baker lets Eddie know that he is alarmed that he skipped last night's AA group meeting and anniversary party. At first, Eddie is combative, trying to explain the difference between being "drunk" vs "buzzed" but Baker isn't buying it. He shows Eddie some tough love through his concerned yet serious reality check. Baker doesn't sugarcoat the situation. He empathizes with the sentiment that life is hard but reminds Eddie that liquor doesn't make this acceptance any easier. It's a tough message but delivered by a compassionate mentor, which is enough for Eddie to truly have his moment of realization.
Takeaway
Award-winning filmmaker Marcellus Cox is both the writer and director of Liquor Bank. Despite the film's short runtime, Cox delivers a full-bodied narrative layered with emotional density. A dramatic climax gives way to a powerful ending, one that Cox chooses to close on with a quote attributed to Jeff Warner. The passage reads, "We are not put on this Earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in the time of need, someone will be there for you." This message is the backbone of the short film, which will leave audiences inspired and optimistic that change, no matter how difficult, is possible.
'Rule Breakers' Review: One Giant Leap for Womankind
Angel Studios is kicking off International Women’s Day by releasing the inspiring historical drama Rule Breakers. Conventional in its storytelling yet powerful nonetheless, the film is based on the true story of Roya Mahboob, one of Afghanistan's first female IT entrepreneurs. It charts her relentless determination to give young girls the opportunity to study science and break free from the country's oppressive regime. In addition to correlating to Women's History Month, Rule Breakers is releasing ahead of National STEM Week, which kicks off on March 14th.
Some Rules Are Made to Be Broken
Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosher) is an iconoclast. As the founder of Afghanistan’s women’s robotics team and a global advocate for women’s education, she lives to inspire others. Despite her country's belief that educating girls is an act of rebellion, Roya continues to defy naysayers and critics by championing STEM in the local school system. She understands the importance of introducing kids, especially young girls, to science. It's no secret that educating the youth is their only way out of the current social oppression.
Despite Roya's good faith attempts to modernize the country, she is continuously met with the harsh reality that not everyone wants women to have autonomy. But this doesn't deter Roya. In fact, quite the opposite. Taking matters into her own hands, she organizes a small robotics team of four high school-aged girls. Together, they create a stunning mine detection robot made from old car parts. Their invention quickly earns them global attention. With all eyes on Afghanistan, Roya finally has her moment to prove to the world why education is not just a choice, but a right.
Takeaway
Rule Breakers is a classic underdog story with a happy ending. Academy Award-winning director Bill Guttentag (Soundtrack for a Revolution) tells this inspirational drama with heartwarming conviction, despite its formulaic, paint-by-numbers Hollywood structure. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this execution, it does feel too conventional and safe, especially for a story about a woman known for pushing the boundaries. However, giving Roya Mahboob and Afghanistan's first robotics team a platform to share their story is a film worth watching and supporting.
'Mesopotamia, TX' Review: Capturing a Phenomenon Up Close
Filmed during a real solar eclipse (and on 16mm film no less), Mesopotamia, TX is an incredible achievement. Written and directed by Lucy Gamades, this short film stands as both an enlightening character study and a successful technical achievement. When the climax of a film depends on a real-life event going according to plan, the stakes are dramatically high. Yet any signs of production stress are overshadowed, pun intended, by the beauty of the visuals captured on screen. Mesopotamia, TX recently made its World Premiere at the 2025 Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
Statistical Occurrence, or Act of God?
Any time there is a solar eclipse event, it brings out the best in humanity. People from all walks of life gather together to marvel at the miracle in the sky. For a few brisk seconds, we all experience a universal natural wonder. The lead-up to this moment is when we meet a man (Nicky Maindiratta) and a woman (Megan Greener), two strangers who find themselves waiting for the eclipse amid a crowd of eccentric Texans. The nameless characters are total strangers, he is from out of town and she is a local. Their shared interest in the upcoming earthly phenomenon is enough to get them talking. They engage in playful banter until they eventually get into deep conversation. Their debate poses the question of the upcoming eclipse being an act of randomness or Godly intervention, giving each other pause. Just then, the sun begins to disappear behind the moon, and the new friends put their differing beliefs aside to engage in the communal celebration of this worldly wonder.
The visual aesthetic of Mesopotamia, TX is artfully vibrant. From the bright red title design that matches the protagonist's cowboy hat to the country song "In the Shadow of the Valley" that opens the film, Mesopotamia, TX is a thoroughly fun and enjoyable watch. Filmmaker Lucy Gamades crafts a smart script that comes to life in Matthew Marino's beautiful cinematography. The cutaway shots of the environment around the lead actors anchor the film in realism.
Takeaway
As the light dips into darkness, the energy of Mesopotamia, TX is tangibly felt off-screen. It serves as a genuine moment of reflection and appreciation for not just the beauty of the natural world, but the beauty of independent cinema too.
'Do I Shock U Like Lightning' Review: A Singing Portrait of Optimism
I've always believed that a soulmate can come in many forms. Whether romantic or platonic, when a special person enters your life and awakens a part of you that has been dormant for some time, it's a beautiful thing. In filmmaker Kahlil Maskati's rom-com Do I Shock U Like Lightning, this inspiring connection comes in the form of a creative resurgence between two artists looking for acceptance. Fans of 500 Days of Summer and John Carney films like Once will instantly fall in love with this indie's music and message.
A Tender Display of the Power of Music
Wardy (Omar Maskati) is a struggling singer-songwriter who is ready to pack it in. His career in Los Angeles hasn't taken off the way he hoped. Instead of performing on the city's biggest stages, he plays free concerts in the park outside of his apartment. Not exactly the Hollywood dream. That's why his bags are packed for his imminent move back to his hometown in New Jersey. Call it fate, call it coincidence, but it's at this pivotal moment when he meets Ellie (Malia Aiello), a ukulele-playing singer-songwriter who will soon light Wardy's creative spark again. Wardy and Ellie become fast friends, bonding over their shared love of music.
One afternoon, Ellie invites Wardy to help with a song she is stuck on. She brings out her ukulele and strums the four-chord melody, sharing beautiful lyrics about falling in love and keeping the spark alive. The chorus of her song, "Do I Shock U Like Lightning", is a catchy pop singalong that catches Wardy off guard. Both he and Ellie feel that their platonic relationship is teetering on the edge of something more, and that scares them. It should be noted that Ellie has a boyfriend, and Wardy is still planning to move across the country. This flirtatious feeling they're both experiencing causes a rift in their friendship. But an unexpected confession from Wardy and a tremendous display of encouragement from Ellie is enough to bring the duo back together again.
All Eyes on Actor Omar Maskati
Writer-director Kahlil Maskati crafts a heartfelt film about the healing and restorative power of music. There is truly nothing better than a four-chord harmony in C, and Do I Shock U Like Lightning has this in spades. Leading actor Omar Maskati does a wonderful job playing the charismatic struggling artist whose optimism is both inspiring and comical. His voice is angelic, even while singing lyrics like "New Jersey's not an armpit". Wardy may be that guy at the party who brings his acoustic guitar to play Wonderwall, but we still like him. Ellie is equally sweet with her soft demeanor playing nicely against Wardy's more outgoing personality.
Takeaway
Do I Shock U Like Lightning is a bright and charming independent film that will have you humming along to its catchy earworms. There are some religious undertones during certain scenes that come from Ellie's background but it does not feel like propaganda in any way. Full of musical montages and fun character hijinks, Do I Shock U Like Lightning is a feel-good rom-com that aims to leave a smile on your face.
'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' Review: A Defiant Observation of Life and Death
Rungano Nyoni's sophomore feature, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, earns the title of most unusual film I screened at AFI FEST. Her first film, the BAFTA-winning I Am Not a Witch, premiered in 2018 to critical acclaim. After its debut, she quickly solidified herself as an indie darling. Nyoni stays true to her roots and dips viewers back into the colorful and rousing Zambian culture in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, which won the Best Director award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
What Happens
The film tells the story of a young woman named Shula (Susan Chardy) who navigates through uncertainty. Specifically, she confronts familial expectations after the death of her uncle. On her way home from a costume party, Shula passes by a body lying untouched on the road. Upon realizing this is her uncle, with whom she has a complicated relationship, Shula does what she can to remove him from the road and preserve what dignity he has left.
The news quickly reaches both her immediate and extended family. Shula becomes enveloped in explosive discourse between the younger women in her family as her uncle's questionable past comes to light. The women finally let go, sharing memories that were previously kept hidden within the depths of their subconscious. Like a fire hydrant bursting open, they emotionally confront their confusing and conflicted relationship with the deceased.
Takeaway
This feels like a return to form for A24, a studio prioritizing art-centric films with a distinct POV. It's defiant and unapologetically absurd, some of the choices the characters make may even rub audiences the wrong way. Dealing with difficult subject matter, like sexual assault, should always be handled with incredible sensitivity, which is the case here. Filmmaker Rungano Nyoni cleverly infuses dark comedy into an otherwise horrific situation. A24 is distributing On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, in theaters on March 7th.
This review originally ran on November 2, 2024
'Gillyfish' Review: To See and Feel Seen
Filmmaker Sarah Sellman explores the complexities of identity and perception in her short film Gillyfish. The eleven-minute film examines the power of human connection and the intimacy that can grow when experiencing vulnerability. Gillyfish made its World Premiere at the 2024 BFI Flare Film Festival. Previously, it was nominated for 'Best North American Native' at the Miami Short Film Festival, and Alba Fernandez (Director of Photography) won 'Best Cinematography' at the European Cinematography Awards.
To See and Feel Seen
When we are first introduced to Gillian (Aoife Commons) and her partner Lana (Cat Coyle), they are in the middle of a sensitive conversation. Laying next to each other in bed, Lana expresses her hesitation about confronting her father. Apparently, this moment has been a long time coming and Lana is now getting cold feet. To ease her partner's anxiety, Gilly agrees to pretend to be Lana and face her father. This scenario plays out almost like a distant cousin to The Parent Trap where the children switch identities to spend time with the parent they never had in their lives. Gilly, rightfully cautious at first, finds Lana's father and courageously confronts him. What Gilly didn't expect, however, was to form an unlikely connection with the man she is conning. By working through Lana's issues, Gilly realizes she is also confronting many of her own.
Takeaway
Gillyfish is about healing by proxy, and the relief that comes when acknowledging hard truths. The film feels like it's part of a larger story, one that director Sarah Sellman can hopefully explore in the future. Given the time constraints and the film's loose story structure, audiences may feel they are missing a concrete resolution. However, Gillyfish imitates life in that tightly packaged happily-ever-afters are rarely experienced, nor authentic. Playing more like a meditation on an experience, rather than embodying a traditional movie structure, Gillyfish is, above all things, a moving indie gem. The film is produced by Maya Korn and MHK Productions.
Paul Leonard-Morgan Debuts Track from Focus Features' 'Last Breath'
In the upcoming thriller Last Breath, a group of rescue scuba divers attempt to save their crewmate who is stranded hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface. Based on a true story, this terrifying ordeal is brought to life by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Alex Parkinson. His background as a documentarian allows him to really delve into the compassionate and humanistic side of this unthinkable situation. The second X factor mirrors the intensity of the rescue mission itself, and that is the bold, cinematic score from BAFTA-winning composer Paul Leonard-Morgan.
This heart-pounding film tells an inspiring story of teamwork and resilience. Given the gravity of the situation and the limited air supply the divers have to work with, Leonard-Morgan's score compliments this "race against time" theme. Field recordings of real boats and sink faucets add unique depth to the otherwise orchestral score, comprised of strings, bass, and special electronic elements.
Cinemacy is excited to debut "Topaz" from Focus Features' Last Breath (Original Soundtrack Recording), below:
Says Leonard-Morgan of the album, “I wanted to create a sense of despair and isolation of being left alone. To achieve this, I selected a solo electronic cello to play the lonely main underwater theme. After recording audio elements of a boat by drumming various bits of metal over the hull, I then sampled, detuned, and made beats out of it. These elements then became the percussive “ticking clock” which signaled the race again time to rescue the oxygen-starved diver. The Main Theme is created by sampling a dripping faucet, processing that through a vocoder synth on vintage analog gear. The result of all this preparation is a unique melodic sound combined by powerful ascending strings in the orchestra, low brass, and pounding basses. The music drives the tension and desperation in the film from start to finish.”
About Paul Leonard-Morgan
Paul Leonard-Morgan is a BAFTA award-winning, Emmy-nominated composer and producer. His unique cinematic style of fusing orchestra with electronica puts him in high demand as a composer and artist. Leonard-Morgan's reach spans genres and includes film scores such as Limitless, The Hunt for Planet B, The Tomorrow Man, Lucy the Human Chimp, and a string of projects with Academy-Award-winning director Errol Morris: My Psychedelic Love Story, the award-winning Netflix series Wormwood, and the Steve Bannon documentary American Dharma. His award-winning collaborations with legendary composer Philip Glass began on Amazon’s series Tales From the Loop. He continued to work with Glass on The Green Veil followed by the documentary feature film The Pigeon Tunnel.
He has also worked with bands such as No Doubt, Snow Patrol, and Belle and Sebastian. His video game soundtracks include Battlefield Hardline, Warhammer: Dawn of War 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Call of Duty Mobile. Concert work includes his concerto commission for Orchestre Nationale de Bretagne. His album of études for piano and cello is being choreographed by members of the San Francis ballet.
Focus Features & Filmtrax Ltd is releasing Last Breath on Friday, February 28th. You can pre-save the album for release here.