Ava: When a Female Assassin Becomes the Target — An Action Movie That's Not Top-Notch but Watchable

If you're looking for a strong female action movie in the style of Atomic Blonde or John Wick, but get something similar yet not quite there, the film Ava might leave you feeling like you ate a cheese pizza with a bit too little cheese. Even though lead actress Jessica Chastain gives it her all, the movie can't quite deliver the impact it should. Still, there are aspects that make it worth watching.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

Ava (Jessica Chastain) is a top-tier assassin working for a secret organization led by Duke (John Malkovich). She has impeccable skills and accuracy, but her personal life is in shambles due to a fractured family. After a mission in Saudi Arabia goes wrong, Ava becomes a target for both the authorities and her own peers, especially Simon (Colin Farrell), a unit head who envies her and wants her eliminated. The film unfolds through intense chases and fights, while unraveling Ava's past involving her mother (Geena Davis) and sister (Jess Weixler). The story takes Ava back to her hometown to confront her past and decide her own fate.

Acting and Characters

Jessica Chastain is a skilled actress who portrays Ava convincingly, both in action and emotion, especially in scenes requiring vulnerability and strength simultaneously. However, Ava's character isn't written with enough depth, making it hard for the audience to connect. John Malkovich as Duke does well as a mentor figure but has too little screen time. Colin Farrell brings a suitable mix of contempt and cunning to Simon, despite a thin role. Common as Michael, Ava's boyfriend, feels somewhat out of place in the film's atmosphere. Geena Davis and Jess Weixler have disappointingly small roles.

Direction, Cinematography, and Music

Tate Taylor, the skilled director behind The Help and The Girl on the Train, returns with an action film that seems outside his comfort zone. Fight scenes are well-designed in some parts, but editing and camera angles disrupt the flow. Many action scenes are shot in dim lighting, making them too dark and lacking clarity. The score by Bear McCreary (from John Wick) isn't particularly standout. Although there are attempts to match music with the film's mood, it doesn't elevate the movie much. Overall, the technical aspects are standard but not memorable.

Editorial Analysis

Ava tries to blend intense action with family drama but falls short on both fronts. The film touches on interesting themes of redemption and confronting the past, but the narrative jumps around, disrupting emotional continuity. The film's strength lies in its dedicated lead, especially Jessica Chastain's serious approach to fight scenes. However, compared to similar films like Atomic Blonde or Kate, Ava lacks sharpness in both script and direction. Still, for fans of undemanding strong-female action flicks, this movie offers some entertainment and might spark thoughts about the complexities of an assassin's life beyond cold-bloodedness.

Verdict

If you're a fan of Jessica Chastain or decent strong-female action movies, Ava might satisfy to some extent. But if you expect top-tier action with a solid script and clear direction, this film may disappoint. Suitable for casual viewers looking for light entertainment on a free day without overthinking.