ASH (2025) – An Aaron Paul movie that is actually bad!

ASH attempts to carve a niche in the space horror genre but falls short of its ambitions due to budget constraints and a lackluster narrative. Headlined by Eiza González, the film offers glimpses of her potential to shine as a leading character. Known for her roles in the TV series “3 Body Problem” and the film “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”, González portrays astronaut Rye, who awakens injured and disoriented in her space station, discovering that her crew members are either missing or deceased.

González’s screen presence is undeniable; she captivates viewers even when portraying a battered and beleaguered character. However, the script confines her to a stereotypical portrayal of a tough space woman, limiting her ability to display a broader range of emotions. She is paired with Aaron Paul, an actor celebrated for his complex and nuanced performances. Unfortunately, Paul’s character is generic and forgettable, depriving him of opportunities to deliver a memorable performance. This is pity because Aaron Paul is seldom if ever in anything that I would consider as bad.

The film’s budgetary limitations are apparent from the outset. Much of the narrative unfolds in darkness, relying on the audience’s imagination to fill in the visual gaps. The special effects are subpar, detracting from the immersive experience expected of a space thriller. The plot twist, revealing the true nature of the crew’s fate, lacks originality and follows predictable conventions. Supporting characters are inadequately developed, preventing viewers from forming emotional connections. Their roles seem designed solely to provide a body count, diminishing the impact of their presence in the story.

Ultimately, ASH fails to justify its runtime and is best avoided. While González shows promise, she should consider more discerning choices for her roles to fully capitalize on her talent and potential in Hollywood.