Randy N
Ava has spent years with the love of her life, cherishing their bond despite the occasional challenge, until one tragic moment turns her world upside down, forcing her to navigate a reality she never imagined. This emotionally charged story masterfully explores love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit, drawing the audience into Ava’s deeply personal journey of grief and self-discovery. With rich storytelling, compelling characters, and a narrative that lingers long after it ends, this powerful and poignant tale is both heartbreaking and inspiring, earning a well-deserved 9/10.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/29/25
Full Review
Cinder C
What I love about indie movies is getting to see stories that aren’t often seen in mainstream media, specifically stories about older women and grief. Ava has everything she needs in life until unexpected tragedy pulls the rug from under her and she has to start anew. She has no income as she was provided for and her living situation in contention with her partner’s son. Her friends try to introduce her to other eligible men where she would follow the same trap and be taken care of or learn to stand on her own two feet.
Lead character is naive but with a big heart. It was very touching to see that she had a strong support system who rallied to help her when she needed it. Great characters and performances all around.
There are lots of great design touches that make the world feel tangible like the artwork, cat calendar, and the weird clowns that pass by.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/19/25
Full Review
Kolo P
AVA: A twist in the Road. We all have these twists and turns in the road throughout life and in this indie film, Ava, portrayed by Catherane Skillen (also directing) is faced with a major life change. The film admirably shows a woman navigating complex relational changes and coming to grips with her new life normal. This is somewhat reminiscent of old-school 1950s drama films with plenty of dialogue and character study, both of which are well done. The love-to-hate character played by Steve Dellatori gives us plenty of conflict also. Viewers can relate to Ava and her situation since so many couples become entirely dependent upon one-another in a long relationship. This is a genuinely well thought out story with well placed dialogue and interesting characters. The audio was sometimes a bit 'off' for me although that may be due to streaming issues and the film's production design was well done and added to the overall character development and story arcs. Definitely a relatable film and refreshingly shows mature characters in a film market that only focuses on the under 40s.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/19/25
Full Review
Patrick W
This is a thoughtful, beautifully-played drama about a woman starting her life again after a tragedy that upturns her comfortable life. This movie asks, what is it like to find yourself starting over when you least expect it and aren't prepared for it? the writer-director, Catherane Skillen, plays Ava, a woman whose life is upturned after her partner's death. She's essentially a widow but what makes Ava interesting is that she's not tied legally to her longtime partner and must start her life. Skillen beautifully and subtly plays Ava with the perfect mix of fear, hopefulness, and determination. There's strong supporting performances from Tannis Benedict and Steve Dellatori. The honestly of the performances really sells this the story. If the story teaches us anything is that you should always have contingency plans for your future. I highly recommend this movie to those facing a new start and hoping to find a way forward.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
12/28/24
Full Review
Dan H
AVA: A Twist in the Road is a poignant indie drama that delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Written, directed, and starring Catherane Skillen, the film follows Ava, a middle-aged woman whose life is upended after the sudden death of her partner, Bobby. Left destitute and directionless, Ava confronts the harsh realities of relying entirely on someone else for financial and emotional stability. As she navigates grief and begins to rebuild her life, Ava transitions from a vulnerable, grieving woman to a confident and resilient individual. Skillen's heartfelt performance brings authenticity to Ava's journey, capturing the emotional waves of loss and transformation. Though the film stumbles with uneven editing and an unnecessary subplot, its raw narrative and relatable themes resonate deeply. A hopeful and candid cautionary tale, the film reminds viewers of the importance of independence and self-reliance, even amidst life's toughest challenges.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
12/27/24
Full Review
Andrew W
Ava (Catherane Skillen who also wrote and directed) lives a comfortable life in Los Angeles with her wealthy partner Bobby who provides her with everything.
Their serene existence is shattered when Bobby has a heart attack while driving resulting in his death in a car crash.
This tragic event puts Ava on a collision coarse with Bobby's estranged son Robert (Steve Dellatori) a man still bitter and enraged by the fact when he was still a child Bobby cast aside his mentally ill mother and left her to languish inside a mental hospital and started over again with Ava. Since Ava and Bobby were never married, Robert has inherited his fathers company and finances intending to use everything in his power to get even with Ava.
The film has some very simple but powerful scenes like when Ava comes home alone after the accident and looks at everything, she has built which has been reduced to nothing. Its cleverly framed with wide shots and high angles which only highlight Avas loneliness and isolation. Grief is such an individual experience which the filmmakers beautifully demonstrate.
The film is not without light as it follows Ava as she finds out the hard way, she has to pay her own way and shows her awkward attempts to break into the job market and find work
.
I related to this part the most. Everyone has had something bad happen to them and have to rebuild and start over. It's not easy.
What i found interesting the film covers an older demographic that gets little to no attention or acknowledgement whatsoever in Hollywood and cinema around the world.
This is definitely a film told from a unique perspective of grief tragedy and resilience.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
12/23/24
Full Review
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