Despite a star-studded cast, the 2020 action thriller Ava struggled with critical reception.

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Jessica Chastain leads a high-profile ensemble in this spy thriller about a recovering addict turned assassin. While the film found significant success on streaming platforms and video-on-demand services, it faced harsh criticism for its derivative script and clichéd narrative, ultimately failing to impress most reviewers despite its talented cast.

Directed by Tate Taylor and produced by Jessica Chastain’s company, Freckle Films, Ava follows the story of Ava Faulkner, a former soldier turned assassin struggling with addiction. The plot centers on her attempts to reconcile with her estranged family in Boston while navigating a dangerous web of betrayal within her organization. After a botched mission in Saudi Arabia, Ava becomes a target for her own handler’s superior, Simon, leading to a series of violent confrontations that culminate in a final showdown under the Zakim Bridge.

The film’s production was marked by controversy before cameras even rolled. In August 2018, original director Matthew Newton faced intense scrutiny due to past allegations of assault and domestic violence, as well as a prior guilty plea for assaulting his then-girlfriend. Chastain, a prominent figure in the MeToo movement, faced accusations of hypocrisy for her involvement with Newton, who remained the film’s credited writer even after stepping down from the director's chair. The film, which was originally titled Eve, underwent a title change in late 2019.

Upon release, Ava received generally unfavorable reviews, holding an 18% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 39/100 score on Metacritic. Critics frequently pointed to the script as the film's primary weakness, with some describing it as a collection of clichés that felt more like a television pilot than a major feature. However, Chastain’s performance was a frequent bright spot; reviewers noted that her charisma and action-hero prowess helped elevate the material. Co-stars John Malkovich and Colin Farrell were also noted for bringing a sense of professional relish to their B-movie roles.

Despite the critical consensus, the film performed well in digital markets. It became the top-streamed film on Netflix during its debut weekend in December 2020 and dominated VOD charts on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play. While its global box office gross reached only $3.3 million, its strong performance in the home-viewing sector highlighted a disconnect between professional critical reception and audience engagement during the pandemic-era release window.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Why a star-studded spy thriller became one of the decade's biggest box-office bombs
• A high-stakes spy thriller that failed to impress critics despite its star-studded cast
• A thriller-drama that critics panned but audiences flocked to on Amazon Prime Video
• Why a film about real-life horror struggled to find its footing on screen
• A chaotic action thriller that divided critics but found a massive cult following
• How one family’s American dream transformed the landscape of mid-century Baltimore
• Why a Soviet comedy about a man who cannot say no still resonates today
• Billy Wilder’s Avanti! was a bittersweet experiment that left its director feeling deeply disappointed.
• The hidden cost of the social costume: why masking is a survival strategy
• A mobster's final act: the story behind the 2002 action comedy Avenging Angelo
• In a dying world, can artificial life succeed where humanity has failed to survive?
• Can a patient survive surgery while fully conscious and paralyzed by anesthesia awareness?

More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics