Ava
Movie Trailer
Release Date
September 25, 2020
Genre
Action, Thriller, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Jessica Chastain as Ava Faulkner
- John Malkovich as Duke
- Common as Michael
- Geena Davis as Bobbi
- Colin Farrell as Simon
- Ioan Gruffudd as Peter Hamilton
- Joan Chen as Toni
- Jess Weixler as Judy Faulkner
Director
Tate Taylor
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Help (2011)
- The Girl on the Train (2016)
- Get on Up (2014)
- Ma (2019)
Producer
- Jessica Chastain
- Kelly Carmichael
- Nicolas Chartier
- Dominic Rustam
Writer
- Matthew Newton
Budget
$30 million
Production Company
- Voltage Pictures
- Freckle Films
- Vertical Entertainment
Running Time
96 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Language
- Drug use
- Mature themes
Movie Story
Ava follows the story of Ava Faulkner (Jessica Chastain), a skilled and deadly assassin who works for a black ops organization, taking on high-profile hits around the world. Despite her effectiveness in her line of work, Ava’s troubled past, including issues with substance abuse and a strained relationship with her family, begins to catch up with her. This, combined with her habit of questioning her superiors about the ethics of her targets, makes her a liability in the eyes of her employers.
Ava’s handler and mentor, Duke (John Malkovich), tries to protect her from the growing distrust within the organization, but his influence is limited. The situation worsens when Simon (Colin Farrell), a ruthless and ambitious operative within the organization, decides that Ava is too much of a risk and must be eliminated. As Simon sets out to neutralize her, Ava finds herself on the run, fighting for her life while also confronting her personal demons.
The film is as much about action as it is about Ava’s struggle with her own morality and the choices she has made. As she reconnects with her estranged family, including her mother Bobbi (Geena Davis) and sister Judy (Jess Weixler), Ava is forced to face the consequences of her violent life. The tension builds as Ava must use all of her skills to outmaneuver those who want her dead, leading to intense and brutal confrontations.
Ava explores themes of redemption, betrayal, and survival, set against the backdrop of a high-stakes world where trust is a luxury and betrayal is deadly.
Special Effects
The special effects in Ava are primarily focused on the action sequences, which feature intense hand-to-hand combat, shootouts, and explosions. The fight choreography is a central element of the film, showcasing Ava’s lethal abilities and tactical expertise. The effects are grounded in realism, with a focus on practical stunts and dynamic camera work to create visceral and impactful action scenes. The film also uses visual effects to enhance the tension and stakes of Ava’s confrontations, particularly in sequences involving stealth and escape.
Box Office Performance
Ava had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was simultaneously released on digital platforms. The film grossed approximately $3.3 million worldwide but gained more attention through its availability on streaming services. While the box office performance was modest, the film found an audience among fans of action thrillers, bolstered by Jessica Chastain’s strong performance and the film’s high-octane action.
Filming Locations
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA
- Paris, France
Notable Quotes
- “You belong to me. When I say you’re done, you’re done.” – Simon
- “You’re asking too many questions, Ava.” – Duke
- “I need to protect the people I love.” – Ava
Behind-the-Scenes
Jessica Chastain not only starred in the title role but also served as a producer on the film, bringing her vision for a complex female action hero to life. The film was originally written and set to be directed by Matthew Newton, but after he stepped down due to controversy, Tate Taylor, who previously worked with Chastain on The Help, took over directing duties. The film’s production involved a mix of locations, with significant portions shot in Boston and France, to create the international feel of Ava’s missions. The choreography of the fight scenes was a key focus, with Chastain undergoing rigorous training to perform many of her own stunts.
Awards
While Ava did not receive major award nominations, Jessica Chastain’s performance was noted by critics, and the film was recognized for its action sequences and the strong presence of a female lead in a traditionally male-dominated genre.
Final Verdict
Ava is an action-packed thriller that delivers intense fight scenes and a strong central performance from Jessica Chastain. While the film may not break new ground in the genre, it offers a compelling portrayal of a flawed and complex character navigating a dangerous world. The film’s exploration of themes like redemption and survival, combined with its gritty action, makes it an entertaining watch for fans of the genre. Chastain’s commitment to the role and the dynamic interactions with the supporting cast elevate the film, making Ava a solid entry in the action thriller category.
IMDb Rating
5.4/10