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Reviewers Say These Are Their Favorite Sex Toys For Solo Play

Reviewers Say These Are Their Favorite Sex Toys For Solo Play

Buzz Feed24-04-2025

For some, a solid, well-performing sex toy is an essential part of solo play. But in the vast sea of gadgets and gizmos that whir, buck, vibrate and thrust, it can feel, well, hard to find the one that's just right for you.
Many reviewers of the toys in this list claimed to have found their Goldilocks of sex toys. The roundup includes everything from vibrating strokers to powerful G-spot wands to an adorable textured starfish toy that works for every kind of anatomy.
Keep scrolling to find your own happy ending.
1. A cult-favorite air suction toy
Amazon
A fan favorite in the world of suction toys, this second-generation model of the Satisfyer Pro is ergonomically designed and made with incredibly soft body-safe silicone. It uses a series of 11 different intense air pulsations to truly satisfy.
Promising review: "This toy is great! It took a few days of playing with it to figure out how to make it work with my anatomy, as I'm trans male and have some bottom growth that makes me large for some toys, and I am very happy with my purchase. It has some amazing suction, it's not too loud, is easy to hold, and has been great to bring into the shower or use in bed. I am happy to say this toy can make me orgasm in ways traditional vibrators cannot. I also like how it charges, the magnetic charging has been great, as I don't feel as worried about the charging cord being damaged, if there's too much pressure on the cord it will pull free, and I don't need to shove and worry about putting the cord into a port." — Tamara Moore
Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in three colors).
2. The iconic wireless Magic Wand
Amazon
The Magic Wand has a long-standing reputation as the best clitoral-stimulating toy on the market. Although there have been many replicas, the original is still a favorite for its legendary soft silicone head and ultra-powerful eight vibrational settings. This version is cordless and can be recharged with the included USB cable, or, if you don't want to wait for the battery to regain its juice, simply switch it on at a wall outlet to use it just like the very first corded model.
Promising review:"If you're reading reviews on this, you probably already know what it is for. It's a phenomenal tool to have in the bedroom for either solo or partnered play. Some may say it is too powerful or intense, but I think that just adds more potential for spicing things up!" — Andrew S.
Get it from Amazon for $127.99.
3. A G-spot and clitoral simulator toy
Amazon
Simultaneously target two spots at once with this waterproof sucking and vibrating toy. Choose from five sucking patterns and intensities as well as five unique tapping patterns that mimic real penetration. There's even a pre-heated function that will make the toy match your body's own temperature.
Promising review:"This toy is an absolute game-changer! The remote feature makes it so exciting to use, whether in the privacy of your home or while out and about. It's incredibly discreet in public, allowing for some playful fun that takes the dynamic to an entirely new level of thrill and connection. The battery life is fantastic, so you don't have to worry about it running out at the wrong moment. Cleaning is super easy, which makes it hassle-free to maintain. Whether you're enjoying it solo or with a partner, it's versatile and guaranteed to keep things exciting. Highly recommend for anyone looking to add a little extra fun and spontaneity to their life!" — Shelley B.
Get it from Amazon for $31.39 (available in two colors).
4. A luxury G-spot wand
Babeland
Encased in a luxuriously soft premium silicone, the waterproof Gigi 2 by Lelo features a targeted flattened tip created for precise G-spot stimulation. The specially designed head is also perfect for external play, and eight vibration settings ranging from a teasing murmur to a deep pulse ensure that anyone who uses it will be satisfied.
Promising review:"This is my first G spot vibrator. I wanted something stylish, by a well-known manufacturer, but also gentle, with plenty of settings to choose from. I have it all in Gigi 2. The tip is just the way it should be to feel good. Silicone is soft, so nice. Many settings let me experiment with various mode-speed combinations. It is easy to clean the toy and also to recharge. Love it." — NT35
Get it from Babeland for $149 (available in three colors).
5. A vibrating tongue simulator
This fully waterproof and dual-sided toy features a thrusting internal vibe on one end and a rose-shaped stimulator on the other. The rose houses an ultra-soft, vibrating and removable "tongue" attachment that aims to mimic the sensation of real oral sex. When combined, users can pleasure their way through 27 different vibrational, thrusting and licking settings and enjoy up to 45 minutes of play time per charge.
Promising review:"This is an amazing addition to our toy drawer! I have been looking at items like the rose and I came across this. It's basically two toys in one. Use either part separately, or use both of them at the same time. Playing solo? This is the only toy you will need. Playing with your partner? My partner is very enthusiastic about adding this to our sessions. And the quality is excellent for the price point. Don't even think about it! Just buy it! You'll thank me later!" — Kim
Get it from Amazon for $28.98+ (available in six colors).
6. A versatile and gender neutral starfish
The adorable and innovative toy offerings from Cute Little Fuckers, a queer-, trans- and disabled-owned sexual wellness company, are created to be inclusive of all anatomies. The Starsi is a crowd favorite thanks to its ability to cover genitalia with a curved and softly textured surface that vibrates through five modes and speeds. Designed to be easy to hold, even for those with limited mobility, the Starsi can be grinded on or nestled on erogenous zones.
Promising review:"I cannot say enough good things about this purchase. The Starsi knocked it out of the park! The surface area of the toy is wide enough to cover the entire internal and external portions of the clitoris complex. The grooves are both soft and distinctive enough to have a grind that is satisfying. Additionally, it is easy to hold and grip; no toys flying out from under you right when you most need them. 5/5 stars for the number of consecutive orgasms we had with it!" — Anonymous
Get it from Cute Little Fuckers for $79 (available in two colors).
7. A vibrating stroker toy
Cake
This waterproof and vibrating stroking toy for penises fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, and its ergonomic design can help make it easier to control the pressure and speed of your stroke. The interior features a thick, ribbed texture that warms to the body's temperature and has 10 different vibration modes for customized pleasure. Plus, the vibrating bullet inside the toy can easily be removed to stimulate other areas on the body, either on you or a partner.
Promising review:"The variation to the speed makes it perfect for what ever you want. The grip pressure is perfect and easy to put on or take off as needed. It gives you the right amount of pleasure to take you to the next level." — Terry S.
Get it from Cake for $25.
8. A prostate massager
Lovehoney
This probing-style vibrator is a Lovehoney bestseller for prostate gland stimulation. It promises an ergonomically designed bulbed shaft that's perfectly angled for the P-spot and is crafted from soft silicone for comfortable use. You can cycle through three speeds and four patterns of vibration and it can even be used completely submerged in water.
Promising review:"The packaging and presentation was very impressive. The size excited me, it's larger than I expected. It's made of high-quality soft-touch rubber over something hard, so it has the perfect amount of give where needed. It has three settings of constant vibration, in increasing strengths, then three patterned vibration modes. This is a great feature as the same thing after a while can reduce the impact. It keeps me on edge the whole time I'm using it. This vibrator is the only one that's given me a leg-shaking orgasm when I've used it. The battery life is fantastic and I love that the recharge port is self-resealing rubber, this is very clever and great quality. I have recommended this product to multiple people." — Leedsguy
Get it from Lovehoney for $79.99.
9. A thrusting Rabbit toy
Lovehoney
A powerful three-speed thrusting shaft and vibrating rabbit ears for external stimulation make this classic vibrator a beloved take on a classic toy. It's covered in a silky easy-to-clean silicone, has seven vibration patterns and offers a completely waterproof operation.
Promising review:"I was keen to try my first Rabbit vibrator and the moment I saw the thrust feature I knew this was the toy for me. This toy was everything I hoped it would be. The ears are soft and the vibration was just right. The size and proportion of the toy were perfect for my body and adding in the thrust feature resulted in an out of this world orgasm in about a minute! I love that it's USB rechargeable as well. Overall an amazing toy!!" — Alex
Get it from Lovehoney for $99.99.
10. A versatile internal and external vibe
Dame
The Dip by Dame, a sexologist-founded wellness brand, is a simple and sleek vibrator that gives meaning to the phrase "less is more." Perfect for both internal and external use and coated in silky medical-grade silicone, this waterproof gadget features a ridged tip and five pleasing intensity settings.
Promising review: "This my first vibrator, ever. I was incredibly intimidated by it at first - like it sat in my top drawer unopened for a week... Sex Ed was taboo in my big religious family. I spent a long time thinking something was wrong with my body, but actually, it was being with partners that didn't understand what they were doing. I don't really have the words to express how eye opening The Dip is. It's truly been life changing for me. It's approachable, efficient, and has been a confidence builder to say the least. I highly recommend it!!" — Abigail W.
Get it from Dame for $45 (available in two colors).
11. A discreet Fleshlight masturabator
Lovehoney
Fleshlights have always been a favorite masturbator toy among people with penises and this is a discreet, softer and more satisfying redesign of the original. The 6.5-inch sleeve is crafted with an incredibly textured and bumpy interior and combines the pleasurable addition of suction which can be adjusted using the screw cap base.
Promising review:"I've owned a few Fleshlights but this has to be the best. To start with it's very discrete, it doesn't remotely look like a sex toy. The sleeve feels amazing, not too tight or loose and hits just the right spots for me. If I want a quick release or a relaxing long session it's always up to the job. Cleanup after is super easy, it comes apart easily and is clean in a matter of minutes." — Normalmaybe

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37 Reviewer-Beloved "Glow Up" Beauty Products
37 Reviewer-Beloved "Glow Up" Beauty Products

Buzz Feed

time4 hours ago

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37 Reviewer-Beloved "Glow Up" Beauty Products

Lumify Eye Drops, a product so beloved by TikTok that despite being more $$ than other brands, it's the number one selling brand on Amazon right now. Reviewers swear by this for instant reduction in redness in their eyes, with visible differences within a minute of use. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream your skin will be SO happy to soak up — this is formulated with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil to help hydrate, tighten, and gently exfoliate your skin so effectively that you should be able to see early results in two weeks. (For some reviewers, it only took a few days!) Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder absorbs oil and blurs pores so effectively that you'll be like, "Oh ... witchcraft??" Might be the only explanation for how this can matte-ify your complexion while still keeping it radiant and glowy. ✨ La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen, aka the "holy grail" of tinted sunscreens — reviewers love this lightweight, buildable formula so much that a lot of them replaced their foundation with it altogether. If you're in the market for some subtle but effective coverage that won't get goopy or settle in pores, this is your sunscreen match made in heaven. A tinted lip balm that's eerily close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. Moroccanoil's Mini Must-Haves Sampler, which is so affordable that I'm not not pinching myself to make sure I'm awake. Reviewers especially love these teensy versions for traveling in ~luxury~ on the cheap, and for trying these beloved splurge-worthy products without committing to the whole price first! Black Girl Sunscreen's Make It Pop Sungloss with SPF 50 (!!) that reviewers *adore* both as a glossy shine on bare lips, or to make their signature lippies pop. Who knew sun protection could look so chic? A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist so darn phenomenal at its job that one reviewer calls it "hairspray for your face," and several compare it to the $34 One/Size setting spray at triple the price. This ultra-fine formula sprays on lightly and leaves a natural finish, but just one spray is designed to LOCK IN your look for 36 hours. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball that honestly has no right smelling so delectable and layering so well considering it's only five cash dollars. Reviewers are obsessed with the scent's warm sweetness with a hint of citrusy zest, comparing it to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀. Billion Dollar Brows Eyebrow Powder fills in your brows so naturally and realistically that you'll be like, "Wait, are these mine??" Reviewers are stunned by how effective it is and how long it lasts, especially at such a low price point. Olay Super Serum Body Wash makes anyone with dry summer skin REJOICE — this is packed with niacinamide, shea butter, and collagen peptides for 24-hour hydration that will make you feel as ~luminous~ as the sunshine. (Psst — this is the body wash version of their TikTok-famous, super effective facial Super Serum, so you KNOW they mean business.) Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which became the internet's holy grail — now in four shades! — for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes so fast that everyone's old concealers are doing double takes. This lightweight color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference. Plus Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, a cult-fave product for your beauty arsenal that will quickly help minimize eye puffiness and swelling thanks to its winning combo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. It's basically an alarm clock for your eyeballs, because boy howdy are they awake now!! Kitsch's flat claw clip with some modern meets retro vibes that will give your hair a chic little ~pop~ of volume and hold. Reviewers are especially impressed by how strong these little clips are, and how much hair they can hold! Reviewers also note that these make it more comfortable to lean back on chairs, since the claw won't dig into your head. The Ordinary's Multi-Depth Hydration Serum to achieve that "glassy," plumped effect *without* breaking the whole bank. This delightfully affordable, super effective serum helps hydrate and protect your skin barrier so you wake up with firm, refreshed skin. Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in shave oil form, so you can lock in that ridiculously compelling whipped vanilla, musk, and soft caramel scent *and* protect your skin from razor burn. Reviewers are notably impressed by how close of a shave they can get with this, particularly in sensitive areas! A "flossing toothbrush" with two layers of bristles — regular firm bristles, and longer ones that are 10 times thinner to clean deep in between your teeth and gums to mimic flossing. Reviewers love how deep the clean feels, and also how soft it is on sensitive teeth! Mielle's Rosemary Mint strengthening oil, a reviewer-beloved, TikTok-famous beauty prod that lives up to the hype — this is infused with biotin so it doesn't just strengthen hair, but helps encourage growth. 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Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer, a K-beauty staple that's almost a little *too* fun to use — it comes with liposome capsules you can pop on your skin, helping oxidize, brighten, and smooth your complexion with the added burst of concentrated vitamin C and niacinamide. This is designed to have both instant *and* lasting results, with many reviewers noting an immediate difference in skin's radiance after the first use! A set of super affordable hydrocolloid nose pore patches (compare to the $16 Mighty Patch equivalent) that will make you go "boy HOWDY" when you see how much gunk collects on them overnight. Reviewers swear by these for gently lifting out sebum from pores and pimples and minimizing their appearance! Londontown "Nail Veil" Protectant, which is designed not only to protect your nails, but to act as a sheer tint to enhance their natural look. It's basically "no makeup makeup," but for your fingernails. E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. Medicube Turmeric Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Mask, which has already made itself a TikTok sensation — unsurprising, since the K-Beauty brand Medicube knocks it out of the park again and again. This mask goes on before bed and uses hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C, and turmeric to help even out skin tone and improve elasticity. MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation, which lives up to its name and THEN some — one quick spray of the foundation on the included brush, and it glides so smoothly and subtly over your skin texture that you'll feel like a makeup artist did it for you. Reviewers in their thirties, forties, and up especially swear by this lightweight but effective formula, and love that it's ridiculously easy to use. First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads, a set of compostable (!!) beauty prep pads you can use before putting on makeup to gently tone and exfoliate your skin, making it the ultimate primer for getting the most out of your foundation. Bonus — unlike a lot of toning products, these are super gentle and sensitive skin–friendly! Essence Loose Setting Powder Trio for three handy products for less than $5 — it's sectioned into different powders for brightening, color-correcting, and mattifying, so you can mix and match the shades to personalize your coverage based on your skin's needs. 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A pack of cult-favorite Clean Skin Club Clean Towels — these ultra-soft, chemical-free disposable towels are ideal for drying your face or pairing with a makeup remover or face wash to gently remove makeup at the end of the day. A lot of folks with sensitive skin *swear* by these, particularly because it helps prevent exposing their skin to bacteria that may collect in ordinary reusable towels. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm for all the ultra fans of Summer Fridays, Rhode, and Laneige whose bank accounts are begging them to put a stop to the lippie madness. These new deliciously tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses are just as buttery and decadent as the balms that inspired them, for a fraction of the price. (Brb, drowning myself in the "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Vanilla Toffee" flavors.)

Russell Crowe Joins Henry Cavill in Chad Stahelski's HIGHLANDER Reboot — GeekTyrant
Russell Crowe Joins Henry Cavill in Chad Stahelski's HIGHLANDER Reboot — GeekTyrant

Geek Tyrant

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Russell Crowe Joins Henry Cavill in Chad Stahelski's HIGHLANDER Reboot — GeekTyrant

Russell Crowe is officially suiting up for sword-swinging immortality. The Oscar-winning actor has joined the cast of Chad Stahelski's Highlander reboot, taking on the iconic Ramirez mentor role originally played by Sean Connery in the 1986 cult classic. He'll star opposite Henry Cavill, who's already been set as the film's lead. Crowe and Cavil previously appeared in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, so this project is a little reunion for the duo. This new Highlander is coming from Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists for a full theatrical release, with John Wick mastermind Stahelski behind the camera. The script is written by Michael Finch, and the team is aiming for a a fresh, full-throttle experience. For those new to the mythology, the original Highlander , directed by Russell Mulcahy, followed a centuries-spanning battle between immortal warriors, blending historical flashbacks with gritty present-day sword duels. It became a fan-fueled franchise with multiple sequels, a long-running TV series, and more than a few legendary lines. Yes, there can be only one, but clearly, there can also be reboots. Stahelski seems to be playing the long game. United Artists has secured full rights to the 1986 original, previously developed by Lionsgate, and there's already talk of expanding into a new series down the road. Crowe is next appearing in Nuremberg , alongside Rami Malek and Michael Shannon, dropping November 7. He's also wrapped up a Netflix thriller called Unabom , Walden Media's Cold War drama Billion Dollar Spy , and the Derrick Borte-directed action flick Bear Country . The director also previously teased the action in the film and explained that it will be inspired by the action in the John Wick films. "I'll keep it to the core. Most audiences, I'll use the gun analogy, most of what you know about gunfights or car chases because most of us don't get involved in gun fights, or car chases, or sword fights, we learn through movies.' "And what those movies show you is about 95% bullshit. You don't fight 50 guys with your bare hands and then walk away, but it's fun. It's wish fulfillment. 'So John Wick, we know it's a cartoon – I know it's not – but we also have fun with it. But we do tactical reloads, we try to do fire manipulations, stuff like the professionals do, the military do. But then we have fun with it, you know? Sword work is very much the same."' Cavill previously shared how big of a fan his is of the franchise and then said that the script for the film is 'extraordinary' and that the movie will take some 'big swings.' He said: "I am a Highlander fan, they're great fun movies. Obviously I watched them when I was a lot younger and have since rewatched, but also the TV show. 'I really enjoyed the lore behind it, that sense of a tragic warrior with more of a story to tell than a cool guy with a sword, doing cool things, and this goes even deeper into that. "What they've done so far and we're doing with the development of the script is extraordinary, I think people are going to be really, really pleased. 'Big swings are important, you play it safe, you're going to just go, 'Eh, I suppose it's fine?" but if you take a big swing, people love it or they hate it." Stahelski also previously talked about the movie, saying it will include both familiar characters and "elements" taken from the '90s TV series. "We're looking to do our story [and it] engages a lot of the same characters and stuff like that. But we've also brought in elements of all the TV shows. We're trying to do a bit of a prequel setup to The Gathering.' 'We have ideas for days about how to make the coolest characters and to make that an epic TV show. I just think that's a rich, rich mythology." Stahelski also explained that they are taking the best story elements from across the franchise and implementing it all into one story that will be spread out across a trilogy of films: "I think the TV series hit on a lot of great stuff wasn't in the feature, between the watchers and all the different types of immortals. How do we get this into a feature mode before we dribble it into the TV world? 'Well, let's restructure it in parts, let's look at it like it was a TV show, let's look at it like it was a high-end trilogy. How to we tell the story of The Gathering, The Quickenings, The Immortals and how do we really build this world out even more so than the original project? 'That's what we're restructuring right now. It's taking all the good stuff that we had before I was involved in the project from the script; redeveloping the script to give us really good chapters one, two and three; and expanding the world." 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This mind-bending sci-fi thriller movie you missed in theaters is now streaming — and it's a dark cosmic nightmare
This mind-bending sci-fi thriller movie you missed in theaters is now streaming — and it's a dark cosmic nightmare

Tom's Guide

time12 hours ago

  • Tom's Guide

This mind-bending sci-fi thriller movie you missed in theaters is now streaming — and it's a dark cosmic nightmare

Sci-fi horror is the ultimate combo and no one can convince me otherwise. In fact, if you asked me to name my all-time favorite franchise, 'Alien' would be right at the top, no question. It set the gold standard for space terror and nothing will ever take its place. So when I first saw the trailer for the sci-fi flick called 'Ash,' I couldn't help but be curious given my intense passion for the genre. 'Ash,' in a few simple words, is a neon-soaked thrill ride that made me feel a little delirious once it finished. It centers around an astronaut who wakes up alone on a deserted space station with no memory of what happened to her crew. From there, she must try to piece together the mystery. It's a simple premise, really. But this is one to go in with zero expectations, because once you think you've got a grasp on where 'Ash' is headed, it completely derails those thoughts. While its experimental nature may be divisive to some (just look at its Rotten Tomatoes score), I think it's a solid watch, and one worth adding to your watchlist now that it's on Shudder and PVOD platforms like Amazon and Apple. If you're a fan of horror-thrillers set in space or just looking for a wild experience on Shudder, 'Ash' is a perfect pick. Here's why it deserves your time now that it's streaming. 'Ash' follows Riya (Eiza González), an astronaut who awakens alone on a remote space station orbiting a distant planet. She quickly discovers that her entire crew is dead under mysterious circumstances, and her own memory is fragmented, making it difficult to piece together what happened. As Riya explores the eerie, dimly lit station, she encounters Brion (Aaron Paul), a man who claims to have come to rescue her. Together, they attempt to unravel the cause behind the crew's demise. However, Riya's fragmented recollections and growing suspicion about Brion's intentions create a tense and uncertain dynamic between them. The space station itself is filled with malfunctioning systems and unexplained phenomena, increasing the danger at every turn. I'd easily buy the idea that 'Ash' began as a music video for Flying Lotus that was later expanded into a full-length movie. The movie's pacing and vibe have that loose, experimental feel you often see in music videos, as it drifts between moments, sometimes focusing on story, other times just soaking in striking, surreal imagery. Flying Lotus, who wrote and directed the movie, mixes a small-scale sci-fi drama with bursts of intense, sometimes unsettling scenes. The result is less a conventional story and more a mood piece that invites you to experience its world without the usual narrative rules holding it back. González pretty much carries this movie on her shoulders. From the opening moments of waking up on the floor to blaring red lights, then navigating the eerie space station and the brutalized corpses in her path, she holds your attention completely. She portrays fear and confusion so convincingly that you genuinely feel for her being trapped in such a horrific situation. 'Ash' is genuinely so impressive in terms of its mind-bending visuals and soundtrack. Flying Lotus creates a world that feels dreamlike and disorienting, soaked in neon reds, purples, and eerie shadows. It reminded me of 'Prometheus' meets 'Annihilation,' but run through a blender of fever-dream surrealism. There's also gnarly practical gore and textured effects that make the horror feel real. I guarantee that pausing the frame at any second will give you something visually pleasing. Aside from the look of this movie and a strong performance from González, the story is where 'Ash' loses a few points. It plays with some really familiar sci-fi horror ideas (like amnesia, mysterious deaths, and a stranger who may or may not be trustworthy), and doesn't really do much to push them in a new direction. The pacing is painfully slow in the middle section, and I wish González had a stronger script to work with, because it felt as though she was being held back. Basically, if you're going in for the visuals and atmosphere, you'll have a great time. But if you're hoping for a tightly written, emotionally rich story, this one might leave you cold. Either way, it's some intense stuff. 'Ash' had a pretty limited run in theaters, so there's a good chance it slipped under the radar for a lot of people. That makes its arrival on Shudder the perfect opportunity to finally check it out. What Flying Lotus does is take a familiar setup and twist it into something totally his own. The movie plays out like a brutal, cinematic version of a space survival game, where the tension builds alongside the strange, atmospheric score that never lets you get too comfortable. Watching it feels a bit like being pulled into a surreal void. 'Ash' has a respectable 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's critic consensus reading: 'Flying Lotus' Ash delivers the phantasmagorical goods with vivid visuals and a throbbing soundscape, elevating a predictable sci-fi story into a memorably stylish head-trip.' Audiences rated it lower at 55% for its pacing issues and weak plot, which are points I can't really disagree with. So, if you're in the mood for something that looks incredible, plays with your expectations, and isn't quite like anything else streaming right now, 'Ash' is worth the watch on Shudder. For more streaming recommendations, see the top new movies to stream this week.

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