Ava

Ava is a riveting American action-thriller film that was released in 2020, directed by Tate Taylor and starring three exceptional talent: Jessica Chastain, John Malkovich, and Common. The movie is a majestic merge of captivating cinematography, world-class acting, and a well-thought-out script that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Jessica Chastain plays the leading character, Ava, the poised, intense, and mysterious assassin. Chastain delivers a layered performance incorporating a combination of strength, wit, and vulnerability to this complex character. Ava is part of a black-ops organization, working as a top-notch contract killer tasked with high-profile hits. Ava is skilled and ruthless, yet deeply human, dealing with her personal demons and attempting to rebuild fractured relationships, adding intricate dimensions to her character.

John Malkovich stars as Duke, Ava’s mentor with a troubled past, instilling both guidance and caution in Ava about their ruthless profession. His bracing portrayal of Duke showcases Malkovich's immeasurable breadth in character acting. Duke has an unwavering faith in Ava's powers, despite the dubious nature of their work, and his character acts as a beam, guiding Ava's journey through the tumultuous world of black-ops.

Common plays Michael, Ava's ex-fiance who is now in a relationship with Ava's sister, Judy. Michael is like an anchor to Ava's tumultuous life. The chemistry between Chastain and Common displays a blend of tension and affection that really brings the story to life.

The screenplay weaves together gripping action sequences with the dramatic undertones of Ava's personal life. The film brings forward an action-packed narrative, amplified by bone-chilling suspense, while simultaneously exploring Ava's strained relationships with her family, her struggle with substance abuse, and her own moral compass.

As an international assassin, Ava's assignments require her to traverse the globe and her adventures take viewers to exotic locales. She operates under the cloak of a jet-setting operative who is frequently changing cities and identities, making it a visual treat for viewers.

However, Ava's job also entails soul-searching conversations with her targets—a signature twist in her modus operandi. These dialogues are not only intriguing from a perspective of action cinema, but they also offer a peek into Ava's own tumultuous inner journey.

Ava's struggle with alcoholism and the subsequent recovery is a recurring theme in the movie, further humanizing her character. This aspect of the narrative also throws light on her troubled relationship with her estructed sister and her desire to mend that broken bond. Through Ava’s journey, the film successfully delves into relevant discussions about addiction and recovery, adding layers of depth to the action-packed thriller and enhancing its emotional quotient.

The thought-provoking narrative is skillfully strengthened with breath-taking action sequences, jaw-dropping fight scenes, and nerve-racking chase sequences. Steeped in razor-sharp turns in the plot, Ava keeps you glued to the edge of your seat, effortlessly moving along the spectrum from heart-pounding action to heart-tugging emotion.

The film’s score is another strength, subtly accentuating the dramatic and action-packed moments, perfectly complementing the onscreen drama, and gripping the audiences' attention. High-impact visuals and artistic cinematography render the film an unforgettable viewing experience.

Ava successfully takes the genre of action thrillers a notch higher, with its blend of emotional depth and high-voltage action. It seamlessly merges the personal and professional lives of its lead character, thereby offering an intricate exploration of a contract-killer’s life, both as a ruthless professional and a woman grappling with personal demons. The movie Ava, as masterfully portrayed by Jessica Chastain and brilliantly conceived by Tate Taylor, is a riveting watch for all action thriller enthusiasts, with enough emotional depth to ensure a rewarding watch.