Ava (2020 film)


Ava is an 2020 American action thriller film directed by Tate Taylor and written by Matthew Newton. It stars Jessica Chastain, John Malkovich, Common, Geena Davis, Colin Farrell, Ioan Gruffudd and Joan Chen. The film released on July 2, 2020 in Hungary, and is scheduled to be released on September 25, 2020, by Vertical Entertainment.

Plot

Ava, a deadly assassin works for a black ops organization who travels the globe doing high-profile hits. When a job goes wrong, Ava is forced to fight and survive.

Cast

In August 2018, it was reported that Tate Taylor had been hired to direct the film Eve, replacing Matthew Newton. In September 2018, Colin Farrell, Common, and John Malkovich joined the cast of the film. In October 2018, Christopher Domig, Diana Silvers, Geena Davis, Joan Chen, and Jess Weixler joined the cast of the film. In November 2019, it was announced the film had been re-titled Ava.

Filming

Principal photography began on September 24, 2018, in Boston.

Release

On June 24, 2020 Vertical Entertainment announced that the film will be released digitally in the United States through Premium video on demand on September 25, 2020. The film was originally set to have a theatrical release, but these plans changed due to movie theater closures that started in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. In Hungary, the film was released on July 2, 2020. The film made $31,820 from 59 theaters in its opening weekend, finishing first at the box office.

Controversy

In August 2018, the film drew criticism due to Matthew Newton, who at the time was set to direct, having been accused of multiple allegations of assault and domestic violence. In addition to the accusations, he has also plead guilty to assaulting Brooke Satchwell, his then girlfriend. Jessica Chastain, a vocal advocate of the #MeToo movement, was accused of hypocrisy for working with Newton. Newton would ultimately step down from directing the film, with Tate Taylor hired to replace him. However, Matthew Newton remains on the project as writer and Chastain remains attached to portray Ava.