Starring Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell and John Malkovich, Ava is one of those films I watched to the very end for three reasons. Firstly, because it’s Chastain, Farrell and Malkovich. Second, even though I wouldn’t call Ava good, I hoped to find something I’d like about it. Lastly, each quarter managed to do just enough to hook me so I’d stay curious enough to want to find out how the next moments would unfold.

Directed by Tate Taylor; Chastain is Ava, a deadly assassin who works for a black ops organisation. While abroad on a high profile hit, things don’t go according to plan and soon our protagonist finds herself a target.

The main issue I found with Taylor’s film is the hugely underdeveloped story and dialogue. There are unfortunately next to zero impressively smart, surprising elements in Ava. A reality that made the movie feel like one of the most ‘basic’ action movies I’ve ever seen.

Even though the three leads can certainly act, none of it proved enough to save Ava. Everyone did the best they could with both the script and stunt direction. Yet, sadly, the action sequences much like the rest of the movie offer minimal delights.

The parts I did enjoy most are the last interactions between Malkovich and Farrell’s characters. It was also great to watch Farrell use his natural Irish accent in a movie again. The last time I saw him do that was in In Bruges (2008).

If you’re extremely curious about Ava, do what you must. Otherwise, maybe watch Atomic Blonde (2017) instead.

Happy Film Loving,

G