Avafumbles its attempt to mix the standard globetrotting assassin formula with an intense family drama. A cliché-ridden script with clunky dialogue devolves into a bullets and beatdowns soap opera. Jessica Chastain is formidable as always in a brutally physical lead performance. Her tremendous effort and all-star ensemble cast aren’t enough to rescue the film. The predictable narrative fails at a base level with sizable plot holes.
Avaopens near Paris with a lethal contract killer completing an assignment.AvaFaulkner (Jessica Chastain) is unaware that the operation is being monitored. She contacts “management” to confirm the “client” has been taken care of. Her handler, Duke (John Malkovich), inquires about her mental state.Avais deeply troubled, but confirms everything is alright. She decides to return home to Boston after an eight year absence.
Ava’s sister (Jess Weixler) and hospitalized mother (Geena Davis) are stunned to see her. We learn thatAvais arecovering addictwho abandoned her family. She mysteriously left everyone and everything behind, including a fiancé (Common) who is now her sister’s boyfriend. AsAvastruggles to reconcile with her past, Duke assuages “management” concerns. His superior (Colin Farrell) wonders ifAvahas become a liability to the company.
The issues start early and continue throughout the film. The protagonist’s initial exposition is delivered via montage during the opening credits. We are spoon-fed thatAvahad substance abuse problems, but is now anass-kicking hitwomanfor an unnamed clandestine organization. Her damaged psyche and unresolved family conflicts are an obvious red flag. An elite killer would be able to sniff out a betrayal immediately. Also, it’s nonsensical thatAvacan’t be easily killed at any point in Boston. The antagonists are always aware of her whereabouts.Avacould be run over by a car, shot by a sniper, or had a piano fall on her head. There’s never a logical reason to engage such a dangerous adversary in single combat.
The interplay betweenAva, her family, and former lover is dreadful. The need for depth is understandable. The filmmakers wanted to giveAvaa personal connection to add dramatic heft; differentiate her character by adding a layered backstory. They were too ambitious in this regard.Avabecomes mired in sluggish melodrama. The film grinds to a standstill between the bickering and crying. Any excitement generated by the action scenes are deflated like a balloon.Avarepeatedly turns into a Lifetime movie of the week.
Avahas another family dynamic that is briefly explored. Colin Farrell’s baddie has a subplot with his own daughter (Diana Silvers). She’s a minor character, but also a part of the “management” structure. This part of the story is intriguing, but purposely kept under wraps for future installments. The groundwork is laid for a sequel. This is an arrogant presumption from the filmmakers. They add another element to an alreadymuddled film.
Jessica Chastain does a lot of heavy lifting to no avail. I can see why the character appealed to her.Avais tough as hell, but emotionally vulnerable. She’s more than a mindless killing machine. Unfortunately, the film built around her is significantly flawed. There’s too much going on and poor execution.Avawould have been better realized as a television series.Avais a production of Voltage Pictures and Freckle Films. It will be available September 25th on demand fromVertical Entertainment.
