Ava (2021) Poster

(2021)

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9/10
A little gem!
craigahrens19 June 2022
I enjoy indie films and I tend to watch a lot of them. I enjoy them because every once in a while you come upon a little gem. Well for me, that's how I feel about this wonderful indie film. I loved the story and the acting. The acting was spot on and the story very relatable. Great job all. You get a thumb's up from me on this one.
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7/10
Strong Performance
roblivings8 May 2022
A VERY strong lead performance puts this intriguing indie above others. If you enjoy a good slow burn, I recommend checking this one out. Well worth your time.
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8/10
A good character study
kjs11448 January 2023
AVA: A Twist in the Road is an interesting character study of a woman who loses the man she loves and has to deal with her life in the aftermath of his death, and how she will move forward. It is rare to see a film that does such an in depth character study of one person, and it is fascinating to watch. The movie is unpredictable, and you're never quite sure what is going to happen next. The story is a very raw and honest look at love, loss, and struggle. The writing was superb in crafting this very unique story. The title is also very unique and very appropriate for the movie. Give this one a watch!
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8/10
Nice Drama w/ Good Heart!
JeromeV7963112 March 2024
Any good movie begins with the main character. Show us their world, what is important to them and why, and we will be engaged. "Ava: A Twist in the Road" is a demonstration of this. Catherane Skillen, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film makes this abundantly clear by presenting us with an imperfect character that we come to understand and care about. Prompted by best friend Leanne (Tannis Benedict), she moves back into the world hoping to reintegrate and piece her life back together again. The movie depicts life choices I suspect many must face in later years. Nice turn by Sophiah Koikas (as matchmaker Irma). "AVA" is a courageous story that asks what it means to be independent, how to deal with extended families who shun you, and still find your light.
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9/10
A Touching story of Love and Loss
debbiinpink27 February 2023
It's great to see more mature actors represented in this tear jerker about love and loss. Catherane Skillen delivers a stellar performance as a woman who's life takes an unexpected turn as well as pulling triple duty as writer and director which is never easy. Kudos! You can tell that this movies takes full advantage of its SAG AFTRA union actors who skillfully navigate their performances with ease. The pace felt good, in fact the whole movie was really well done, charming and heartwarming. This movie is a perfect film for a rainy Sunday on the coach when you're ready for all the feels but keep the tissues close as it may make you cry tears of joy.
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8/10
Sensitively made realistic story which will pull at your heartstrings
olacik3 September 2022
It's a realistic story which many will be able to relate to. It has a good mix of sad and charming. I really enjoyed Catherane Skillen's performance and see in the credits that she also wrote, directed and executive produced the film, which is not an easy task. Kudos to her for this accomplishment! One of the reasons I watch indie films is because a lot of them are based on realistic and relatable stories, unlike many mainstream films today. There are many touching, heartfelt and also awkward moments which will leave you caring for the lead, the supporting characters, and the situations they find themselves in. I cared because I actually know people like Ava, and could emphasize with her heartbreak, loss, sadness and desire to find strength to move on. I feel like one of the takeaways of this film is, "It's never too late"... Never too late to start all over again, never too late to gain your independence and confidence, never too late to let go, reinvent yourself, or start a new life. Another very important takeaway for me was the need to change when your circumstances change; importance of finding strength to overcome grief. The film felt personal in a way because I have a very close relative who was unable to recover and regain himself after loss. Seeing him wither away was a big tragedy. Glad that Skillen's character was able to let go and find inner strength to change along with her destiny.
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1/10
What's with the high ratings?!!
taylorfrost-080371 June 2022
I can not believe prime video actual aired this, Poor Poor acting and painfully slow and the main charactor didn't feel sorry for her at all. Watched the whole movie haha the whole time asking myself why, why are you watching this my 2 bits.
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9/10
Solid, independent storytelling on all levels
BMovieCommander14 February 2022
This is a movie that deals in the realm of the real. It's kind of a coming of age story for someone who's already lived a full life. It deals with love, loss and re-discovery of one's self as Ava has to traverse the trials and tribulations of overcoming loss. Yes, this is an independent movie, but achieves on high levels. It is well-acted, wonderfully shot, and delivers an impactful and meaningful story.
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6/10
Well done!
BandSAboutMovies10 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love when filmmakers send me their movies and ask me to watch them. It's always a daunting proposition -- all I do is throw a few hundred words at something that may have been their life's work, you know? That said, when Catherane Skillen sent me a copy of her film AVA: A Twist In the Road, it didn't seem like the kind of movie that I usually have on the site.

But then I watched it and I'm honestly fascinated by it.

Ava (Skillen) and Bobby (Bill Lewis) are an older couple who, if you met them, you may think that they've been married forever. But Ava came along as the second wife, taking care of Bobby while his first wife had mental issues and was hospitalized for years. Now, they travel the world, he keeps her in a gorgeous condo and she wants for nothing other than to have more of his time, because all Bobby does is work.

It's not a bad life. It isn't perfect. But again, it's not a bad life.

But then Bobby dies. And that's when everything changes.

Everything Ava owned belonged to his company. And his son Bob Jr. (Steve Dellatori) has been waiting to get Ava out of his life forever.

The reason why I'm fascinated with AVA is that it has such an intriguing narrative because it drops us into her life and by the end, we're unsure if she'll be able to succeed. All of her monetary possessions no longer seem important to her, she's found an actual job that before would be beneath her and she's trying to connect with others. And then...that's the end.

The camera in this has a strange focus, darting all over, cutting to images in the middle of conversations and at times feeling hallucinatory yet that adds to the overall experience for me. Because unlike so much of what we consume for entertainment, AVA is incredibly real and honest. It feels lived in. It feels authentic.

There are moments when the tone wildly shifts -- I saw one review that took the movie to task for this -- and I think that makes it feel true to life. And while not all of the acting is perfect, Skillen is really great at the role. You can't help but be on her side.

I'd really be interested to know how she was inspired to make this. It seems like she acted in the 70s -- an episode of Columbo in 1976, the TV movie Dog and Cat in 1977 with Richard Lynch and an appearance in 1978's Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold and the TV series Jessie in 1984 are all that are on her IMDB before she started creating AVA as a web series in 2017.

So yeah. If you have a movie, send it my way. I do so love seeing original visions. This is definitely one of those. And it's cool to see an older woman in the spotlight (and heading up the creative end, too).
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3/10
Painfully slow
filmcriticandreview17 February 2022
The lead grandfatherly actor is strong and solid. The lead grandmotherly actress struggled throughout. Some shaky camera movements didn't fit in or were done by mistake and without use of a tripod. The "f" word was used at least twice unnecessarily. Some of the other actors seemed new to acting. I guess the biggest drawback was how slow the movie was it just seemed like it dragged on and on.
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9/10
Glad I took a chance on this
helmetsandshades25 July 2022
A compelling little indie about grief, co-dependency, strength and relationships. Very well made with delightfully heartbreaking performances. Loved the lead actress and most of the supporting cast as well.
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6/10
A cautionary tale, especially for older women
baccaruda16 February 2022
I've worked as a financial advisor for many years and I have had scores of women relate the same situation that this movie is talking about. They have a loving partnership with their mate, but during their entire time together it was always the man who took care of all financially related matters. Often times, the woman will say that she's not good with money, or that her husband is far better. Then when the man suddenly passes, the woman is often in financial dire straits because there was no planning or education. There are a lot of character archetypes in this film, especially rich, pampered older ladies who may one day find themselves in the same position as the main protagonist, Ava. What I found interesting about Ava, was that she wanted to live her new, unexpected situation on her own terms, even in the face of incredible stress and adversity. I'm sure this one will resonate with a lot of folks.
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5/10
An interesting film with relatable themes
aleptos5 August 2022
'AVA: A Twist in the Road' by Catherane Skillen tells the story of the titular character as she navigates well, a twist in the road. That road being figurative of course in this bumpy thing we call life. Ava (Skillen) and her long-time partner Bobby (Bill Lewis) have a loving and healthy relationship. Just like all long-term relationships however, it isn't perfect. Bobby is away a lot for work and Ava wishes that they spent more quality time together. Suddenly, Bobby passes away and leaves Ava all alone. Having relied on Bobby for literally everything through their life together, this proves very difficult.

Firstly, having an older woman as the focal point of the story is certainly refreshing, as is the portrayal of she and Bobby's relationship as loving, playful and sexually active just as that of a younger couple, which is something that is often forgotten and not played up as much on the screen.

The narrative is clear and focused with a very straightforward A-B structure but just as the title alludes to, there are twists in the road and the loss of Bobby is not the only one. In addition to all the stress that Ava is facing trying to navigate life without the one person she counted on, Bobby's son Bob Jr. Ahem, I mean "Robert", bitter about the fact that his father left his mother for Ava, is trying to make sure that she gets nothing from his father's estate. At first, this sub-plot was interesting and even felt like the film could take on a thriller quality but it was dismissed rather quickly and ultimately the foundation laid and the characterisation of Robert ended up being unnecessary.

There are certainly some filmmaking wins in 'AVA' and a stand-out scene comes during her attendance at a party that she doesn't really want to be at. The scene takes on a dream-like quality as Ava is approached by a variety of people all sharing their personal opinions and stories with her, whilst the sounds of conversations and laughter close in creating a claustrophobic feeling which is reflective of what somebody in her situation might feel in a social situation, and will certainly be relatable to anybody who has experienced social anxiety.

There are some good performances here, mainly from Skillen and she manages to elevate those around her who give weaker, but not bad performances. Paired with some questionable editing choices and dated transitions, 'AVA' at times sort of resembles a Sunday afternoon soap opera. Bill Lewis as Bobby is also a standout,

The film isn't really sure what it wants to be with a shifting tone from light-hearted to depressing with the colour pallet and soundtrack to match. Of course, grief is a big part of the affair and that grief is less suggestive and more in an on the nose "I'm holding this knife and you know what that means!" kind of way. It's not an issue per se, but it wasn't totally necessary and seems to really want to make sure that you understand how depressed Ava is, assuming we aren't already aware of the impact that an event like this can have on a person.

The end comes rather quickly with the runtime clocking in at just 1 hour and 14 minutes. The film fails to deliver a big payoff as one might expect however there is a very nice moment of clarity to close.

Overall, 'AVA: A Twist in the Road' is an interesting but flawed picture with some relatable themes of love, loss but also serves as an important cautionary tale of making sure to take charge of your own life and not rely entirely on somebody else.
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8/10
Beneath the Surface...
adelavega126 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I wondered why would someone make a movie about a character like Ava? Especially now, in our post modern feminist, semi-post pandemic society, pushing cultural diversity, anti-racism, and "no gender-reference, please," attitude that seems to be at the forefront of almost anything you watch. Supported by an excellent cast, Ava's fragility unfolds before your eyes as she faces the very task she has successfully avoided most, if not all, her adult life; and that is, to take care of herself financially. After the blow of her beloved's death, and even with Common Law on her side, and the means to take back what is legally hers, she instead withdraws from the fight, putting herself in some funny situations to earn a pittance then winds up piecing together financial independence by selling off her beloved's gifts.

Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but something pulled at my gut. I've known women like Ava and they've always baffled me. And yet, I knew I had to look deeper, confront my own aging and loss of identity in a world I no longer understand. In the face of nothing, something happens. An inner strength eventually emerges out of the rubble and propels Ava forward. And she does it her way.

Released during Women's History Month, "Ava" is no small accomplishment. I celebrate Catherane Skillen who wrote, starred, directed and financed the film. This is history. In addition to the excellent performances by Tannis Benedict, Bill Lewis, Michael Lippman, so many great moments with each of the supporting cast...even the heart-wrenching "what could have been..." cameo of the street lady, beautifully portrayed by Natalie Carroll, highlights the subtle "little engine that could," that we all have within us, that is the true poetry of this film. We all age, we all fall apart at some point, and this film points to that one propeller we all have within, "I can..."
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10/10
Have your affairs in order!
kjgblessed29 June 2022
This was a good movie. The writing was good along with the directing of the film. I wish the ending was different. People really need to have their affairs in order because when the inevitable happens. What now? This film definitely challenges people to think.
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9/10
A Heartfelt Drama About Loss
briandilorenzofilm12 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed Catherane Skillen's "Ava- A Twist in the Road," a somber meditation on grief and self-identity. Early scenes with Ava (played by Skillen) going through her deceased spouse's belongings were deeply impactful. The tension between Ava and the brutish son of her deceased partner really work. The scenes at the party where Catherine is looking to meet new people were well written and effecting. I enjoyed her arc where she ends up working at the newspaper stand at the end. I wish they resolved the conflict with the husband's son but other than that, I found it very enjoyable.
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8/10
Just let go and find the hope!
mettlesetdesigner27 August 2022
I ran across this delightful little indie film and must say I was impressed. I have always been a sucker for a movie that has hope as it's underlaying theme and this is a cautionary tale with just that.... HOPE. I love that the writer/director/producers or whoever decided to tell the story with mature actors, using issues people must face as we age. Too often Hollywood movies overlook these issues and struggles. This indie film does it in a beautiful way. It is a bit of a slow burn but it held my attention and I recommend it to be both young and old. A lot can be learned from watching a movie like this.
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7/10
Relatable, universal story.
lee_yang_18 July 2022
A relatable, universal story. Kept me wondering what was going to happen next; was not expecting the twists and turns. It's a relationship drama film that you will still be thinking about even after you watch it.
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9/10
A Kept Woman Finds Freedom in Unexpected Ways
nathan-3071524 February 2023
This charming, gentle movie follows the title character, Ava (Catherane Skillen), through trials, tribulations and a path to redemption after the sudden death of the love of her life. In the process Skillen, who also directs, writes, and exec produces, shows us the banality of life as a 'kept woman' in what can be a very cold-hearted town. The film touches on themes of ageism, greed, homelessness, and materialism as we experience them through Ava's eyes. Catherane Skillen's beautifully modulated performance transforms the naive Ava from a helpless victim of circumstance to an empowered woman as she makes the discovery that true wealth is found in friendships and kindness and not in condos, fancy cars and gold bracelets.
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7/10
Letting Go and Finding Independence
filmpurgatory2 June 2022
One thing that the mainstream film industry constantly fails to do is make films about older people. Many legendary older actors in the industry are often sidelined in favor of younger generations in most films. Older women have it even worse, often being relegated to specific roles, like the evil stepmother. A range of stories can be told with an older protagonist and older women and AVA: A Twist in the Road shows this off well.

This film is anything but a traditional drama. The story beats that are expected of the film don't happen. Instead, the film goes on a more freeform path where major story and character elements just happen. Is this a bad thing? Far from it. Movies shouldn't have to be predictable, because why would I want to see something where I can predict what's going to happen in the next scene? Although the film doesn't have a traditional approach, it ultimately succeeds at telling a story about moving on and becoming self-sufficient.

Some of my favorite shots in the film have to be when Ava is grieving in her home after learning of Bobby's tragic death. Unlike some films that I've seen, Ava's portrayal of grief is very accurate. She shuts herself in away from her friends, drinks her sorrows away and struggles to move on. Meanwhile, her neighbors and friends try to help her move on from Bobby's death by bringing her food and flowers. Throughout the film, Ava struggles to overcome her loss, as her previous idyllic life begins crumbling around her. Despite the film's strengths, there are a few problems I had with it. Some of the film's dialogue felt a bit too on-the-nose. Additionally, some of the lines delivered were a bit weak, and I also felt a few of the scene transitions were a bit too tacky at times and could have been toned down a bit.

Carrying the film is our lead played by Catherane Skillen. Her earnest performance makes Ava both relatable and likable. While she doesn't nail every line delivery, her performance feels very real, something many actors struggle with. My second favorite performance has to be Tannis Benedict who had the best line delivery as Ava's best friend, Leanne. However, I felt that Louie Mandrapilias as Michael was a bit stiff on his line delivery in his first few scenes, but noticeably improved later.

Overall, AVA: A Twist in the Road is good in its general storytelling and message. However, its technical side does suffer a bit, which occasionally takes me out of the film. Despite this, the film makes up for this by making Ava a likable protagonist who perseveres through and through. Is this film a perfect movie? No, but then again most films are not. But is it worth watching? Yes, I think it's worth a viewing, especially for those who are either undergoing or have underwent the cycle of grief.
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8/10
Heartfelt
sowden_jd29 June 2022
A really good story about loss and moving on. While that material can sometime be bogged down or melodramatic, this film handled it nicely! I really enjoyed!
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10/10
Riches to Rags
jae-133717 February 2023
At its core, 'AVA: A Twist in the Road' is a raw survival story about a woman whose life drastically changes overnight, but refreshingly, the character played by Catherane Skillen is of an older age that is typically not well represented in films.

Living in a city full of wealthy Gatsby's like Los Angeles, I imagine the kind of romantic relationship in which the protagonist finds herself is not too uncommon. And while it would be easy to pass judgement and blame her for her problems, you can't help but empathize with her on a human level as we see a genuinely kind spirit being thrust back into a cutthroat, hyper-individualistic society.

Through nasty characters and uncomfortable interactions, the film reminds us of the brutal reality and people's true colors underneath the sunny, cheery facade that is Los Angeles. It serves as a cautionary tale that we are all responsible for ourselves at the end of the day.

The film is a slow burn that takes its time for those who are less attentive or impatient but I would recommend this film to anyone who has experienced life changing events and found themselves starting over.
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10/10
Moving story about coping with unexpected tragedy
kolbron-1987724 March 2022
I can relate to this film after having lost the love of my life to cancer three years ago. Its also a story many can relate to. Ava unexpectedly loses the longtime love of her life and is thrown into turmoil and fights literally to survive the chaos that results.

Catherane Skillen, who wrote, directed and starred in the film is very compelling as its central and sympathetic figure. This film is truly a gem and not to be missed.
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9/10
A solid piece of storytelling for an underserved demographic
adrianjettleon16 May 2022
Ava: A Twist in the Road ended up being a very interesting drama. The story is well-paced and held my interest. I cared for the lead and found the entire cast to be charming. Among the smaller roles, I found Daniela Brown to be a standout. This is a film is a rarity; it is an intimate, realistic story for older audiences.
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6/10
Solid film with a strong female lead!
lbarker089 June 2022
I really appreciate that this film has a strong female lead, who is also older, which we don't see in many movies. The story had good conflicts that escalated in an interesting way. There were parts that were a little slow, but ultimately it is a good watch!
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