character study

We both were in agreement that this should be a character study of this man.

Following a warmly received premiere at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the People’s Choice award, the Neon film hits theaters Friday as an unexpected — and somewhat risky — piece of summer counterprogramming: a hushed, reflective character study that begins with the end of the world and moves backward into a life-affirming meditation on memory, mortality and legacy.

Don’t mistake this stylish feature debut for a misery wallow, however, or some poetic character study.

But just when the film’s missteps start to frustrate, the story lands on a stunningly understated moment that suggests the potentially rich character study underneath.

“Ash” is categorically a vibe more than it is an especially unique story or illuminating character study, even if González’s steely beauty conveys plenty about the psychological stakes at hand.