Science fiction and horror collide in the nightmarish new feature “Ash” from DJ, record producer, and filmmaker Flying Lotus. With its audacious visuals and masterfully managed tone, “Ash” sucks you into its forbidding far-away world, embracing several familiar conceits along the way while adding its own gnarly twists to them. The results may not redefine the sci-fi horror genre. But does every movie need to?

“Ash” takes a fairly conventional science fiction story and tells it through its own wickedly artful lens. It’s a movie that takes on numerous forms and blends elements from several horror sub-genres. It’s a deep-space chiller with a dark psychological edge. But there are also bites of survival horror all through it. At times it resembles a grisly midnight crowdpleaser yet it’s almost experimental in some of its techniques. What’s impresses most is how it all gels together – a testament to Flying Lotus’ keen vision and tight control.

Its backstory is pretty generic – Earth has become nearly uninhabitable resulting in crews being sent into space to find a planet capable of sustaining human life. While I admit to being a sucker for that tried-and-true setup, screenwriter Jonni Remmler doesn’t spend too much time on why the crew is there. Instead he goes straight to the present, submersing us into his protagonist’s terrifying scenario as both she and we try to piece together the mystery as it unfolds.

Originally set to star Tessa Thompson, the lead role eventually went to Eiza González who gives what deserves to be heralded as a breakout performance. Her physical and emotional commitment is essential to the film’s effect. González is superb playing Riya Ortiz, an astronaut who wakes up battered and bloodied in a space station on a distant planet designated KOI-442.

After she gathers herself, Riya discovers the station has been ravaged and her four fellow crew members killed in expressly gruesome fashion. Even worse, Riya has no idea who she is, where she’s from, or what happened. As she investigates the heavily damaged facility and examines the mangled bodies of her crew mates, Rya is shaken by the sudden appearance of a man named Brion (Aaron Paul) who claims to be responding to an SOS call sent from the station to the orbital he mans off planet.

Brion’s presence feeds into the greater mystery of what happened on planet KOI-442 (which the crew has nicknamed “Ash”). Flying Lotus drip-feeds us information, partially through Riya’s discoveries, but mostly via jolts of violent flashbacks. In them we see the fates of Adhi (Iko Uwais), Kevin (Beulah Koale), Catherine (Kate Elliott), and Shawn Davis (Flying Lotus) in gory detail. But as Riya’s memory returns, the flashbacks extend and offer more clarity.

While “Ash” may be light on plot, it’s enriched by savvy storytelling and world-building. Beginning in its earliest moments, the movie is all about creating and sustaining its dread-drenched atmosphere. It’s accomplished through some inspired craftsmanship that utilizes the impact of both sight and sound. DP Richard Bluck uses a range of shots from stunning widescreen to harrowing first-person perspectives. Add in the creepy interiors shaded in red and indigo and some killer gore effects that aren’t for the squeamish. And it’s all accompanied by the film’s menacing electronic score composed by Flying Lotus himself.

Those desperate for something groundbreaking that significantly moves the needle in the space-horror genre may leave “Ash” disappointed. But those who enjoy immersive experiences from visionary cinematic craftsmen will have a blast. Those with an affection for tense and moody sci-fi chillers will get all they want. And those who appreciate eye-opening performances will love what Eiza González brings to her role. “Ash” opens in theaters Friday, March 21st.

VERDICT – 4 STARS