The world lost a giant in January with the passing of David Lynch. How can you describe the career of a legend in only a few short sentences? For Grammy winner Flying Lotus, Lynch was the definition of a creative. “He was the most important artist to me,” Flying Lotus said of Lynch. Flying Lotus collaborated with Lynch on his song Fire Is Coming. Now, Flying Lotus channels his inner Lynch for his new directorial effort, Ash.
On a distant planet, astronaut Riya (Eiza González) wakes up and discovers that her entire crew has been slaughtered. When Brion (Aaron Paul) arrives at the space station after receiving a distress signal, Riya contemplates every possibility. How did this happen? Is she a killer? Is Brion lying? Whatever the answer, Riya must figure it out quickly. She doesn’t want to be around if the thing that slaughtered the crew returns.
In an interview with Digital Trends, Flying Lotus grapples with space exploration, explains his decision to act in the film, and reminisces about his artistic hero.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Digital Trends: I actually just spoke to Aaron and Eiza, and they specifically said, “Please let Flying Lotus know we love him.” That is their message to you.
Flying Lotus: Aw, they’re so sweet. I love them, too. They’re so good. They’re so good.
“Survival films are like sports films.” I had never made the correlation until speaking with Eiza González, the star of the new sci-fi horror Ash. When you think about it, survival and sports films have much in common. The main character typically faces adversity and pushes their body to the limit. That could be something as dangerous as surviving on a desert island. It could also mean facing off against a bigger and stronger opponent on the football field. Either way, survivors and athletes must find it within themselves to dig deep and pull through.
In Flying Lotus’ Ash, González plays Riya, an astronaut who wakes up and discovers her entire crew has been slaughtered. Riya doesn’t remember her name until another crew member named Brion (Aaron Paul) arrives at the station. Why does Riya have no recollection of what happened? Does Brion know, or is he choosing to withhold information? Either way, these two must get off the planet before this mysterious someone — or something — comes back for more carnage.
In an interview with Digital Trends, González and Paul discuss the physicality required for their roles and how music played a factor in shaping scenes on Ash.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Digital Trends: I want to start with this line that Flying Lotus said Guillermo del Toro told him. “Don’t direct the movies that you need to make; direct the moves that need you to make them.” And I thought that was just so powerful, not even just for directing. You can apply it to a lot of things. I want to do that with your careers. Can you pinpoint a time when you saw a part and took it because you believed that the project needed you to do it?
Eiza González: I wish I had that confidence.