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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Ava (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Ava Faulkner, a woman in recovery from addiction and a former soldier turned assassin, finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of survival. While in France, she captures an English businessman, hoping to uncover the motives behind the contract on his life. As fate would have it, another woman secretly listens in on their conversation, unaware of the risks that lie ahead.

Relocating to Boston after her mission, Ava reunites with her estranged family, including her sister Judy and hospitalized mother Bobbi, both of whom she hasn’t seen in eight years. Shortly after, her former Army superior and handler, Duke, dispatches her to Saudi Arabia for another assignment - taking out a German general. Cleverly, she lures him into a trap, administering poison designed to mimic a heart attack. Unfortunately, her plan is foiled by the general’s security, leading to a violent standoff that claims the lives of all involved.

After the botched mission, Ava heads to Barneville-Carteret, where Duke apologizes for the misleading information that led to chaos. He suggests she take some time off, which brings her back to Boston. Here, she encounters her former fiancé, Michael, who is now dating her sister Judy. Tensions run high as old feelings resurface and unhealed wounds from the past threaten to erupt.

Across the ocean in British Columbia, Duke revisits his boss, Simon, who is keen on overseeing the safety of his daughter, Camille, who had been eavesdropping on Ava. Simon sees Ava as a risk due to her emotional detachment from the job and insists she must be eliminated. When Duke presses on how he perceives the threat posed by Ava, a deadly confrontation leads to Duke’s demise at Simon’s hands, with Ava discovering a video of the horrific event.

Back home, Ava is plagued by family complications; feeling the urgency to redeem herself, she offers to help Michael when he goes missing and is discovered in deep debt to a local gambler named Toni. After a fierce exchange of fists and threats with Toni’s thugs, Ava strikes a bargaining deal to resolve Michael’s debt.

In a chilling twist, Duke’s fate weighs heavily on Ava, who confronts the menace that Simon represents. In a brutal showdown, they exchange blows, each sustaining serious injuries until Simon escapes under the veil of chaos that ensues from a fire alarm. Driven by vengeance, Ava finally corners Simon beneath the Zakim Bridge, ending his pursuit for good.

In a bittersweet moment of farewell, she advises Judy to leave the country and gives her the crucial account details to secure their future. Holding onto the last remnant of stability, Ava receives a letter from Duke expressing contentment with his life decisions. As she marches forward into an uncertain future, Ava realizes she may never truly escape the shadows, especially with Camille lurking in the background, a constant reminder of the past that refuses to let go.

Timeline

Track the key events of Ava (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Ava's Transformation

Ava Faulkner, a skilled former soldier, is battling addiction recovery while navigating her new life as an assassin. Her past experiences shape her actions as she balances the challenges of her two identities.

Capturing the Businessman

While on a mission in France, Ava captures an English businessman to uncover the identity of the person who placed a bounty on his life. This encounter is pivotal as it exposes the intricate web of conspiracy surrounding him.

France

Family Reunion in Boston

Ava relocates to Boston, reuniting with her estranged family, including her sister Judy and her ailing mother Bobbi, after eight years of absence. This emotional reunion highlights the personal sacrifices Ava has made during her time away.

Boston

New Assignment in Saudi Arabia

Duke, Ava's former Army superior, assigns her to eliminate a German general in Saudi Arabia. The mission showcases Ava's skills but also sets the stage for a catastrophic failure due to unforeseen complications.

Saudi Arabia

Botched Poisoning Attempt

Ava attempts to poison the German general, planning to make it look like a heart attack. Unfortunately, her plan unravels, resulting in a violent confrontation that leads to the deaths of several involved parties.

Saudi Arabia

Duke's Apology

After the botched mission, Ava travels to Barneville-Carteret, where Duke expresses regret about the flawed intelligence that led to chaos. This moment of vulnerability illustrates Duke's recognition of the weight of their dangerous work.

Barneville-Carteret

Confrontation with Michael

Back in Boston, Ava encounters her former fiancé Michael, who is now in a relationship with her sister Judy. The meeting stirs unresolved emotions and tensions as Ava grapples with the consequences of her past decisions.

Boston

Duke's Fatal Confrontation

In British Columbia, Duke speaks with his boss Simon, who views Ava as a liability and decides she must be eliminated. Their heated confrontation ends tragically as Simon kills Duke, significantly impacting Ava's sense of loyalty and safety.

British Columbia

Rescuing Michael

Ava learns that Michael has gone missing due to severe debts owed to a local gambler named Toni. Determined to rescue him, she confronts Toni’s thugs in a fierce altercation, showcasing her combat prowess.

Boston

Deal with Toni

Following a physical confrontation, Ava brokers a deal with Toni to pay off Michael's debts. This agreement stresses Ava's willingness to go to great lengths to protect her loved ones, despite the inherent risks.

Boston

Final Showdown with Simon

Ava confronts Simon in a brutal fight that tests her limits and results in severe injuries for both parties. The chaos of their battle escalates when a fire alarm creates a diversion, allowing Simon to escape.

Boston

Vengeance at Zakim Bridge

Determined to end Simon's threats, Ava tracks him down beneath the Zakim Bridge. In a climactic confrontation, she finally defeats him, eliminating the danger he poses to her and her future.

Zakim Bridge, Boston

Sister's Future Secured

In a poignant farewell, Ava urges Judy to leave the country for her safety, providing her with crucial account details to start anew. This act of kindness underscores Ava's deep-seated desire for her family's welfare.

Boston

Duke's Farewell Letter

Ava receives a letter from Duke, reflecting on his life choices and expressing a sense of peace. This bittersweet correspondence serves as a reminder of the complex relationships forged in their line of work.

Uncertain Future

As Ava moves forward, she acknowledges that the shadows of her past may never fully dissipate. With Camille lingering in the background, she grapples with the reality of her choices and their lasting consequences.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Ava (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Ava Faulkner

Ava is a complicated character, a former soldier turned assassin, grappling with her past life choices and a history of addiction. Throughout the film, she strives for redemption while balancing the violent nature of her career with her desire for connection with her family. Her internal conflicts highlight her emotional depth and resilience in the face of danger.

💼 Assassin 🛡️ Soldier 🌀 Complex

Mother

Ava's mother, Bobbi, represents the emotional anchor of the family, yet her health issues cast a long shadow over their reunion. Her presence serves as a reminder of Ava's past and the family bonds she desperately wishes to mend. Bobbi's condition and the love Ava holds for her create a poignant backdrop to Ava's tumultuous journey.

👩‍👧‍👦 Family 💖 Love 🏥 Illness

Duke

As Ava's former Army superior and handler, Duke embodies the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in the world of covert operations. His misguided decisions land Ava in perilous situations, ultimately leading to his demise. Duke's character serves as a pivotal link between Ava's past life and her tumultuous journey towards freedom.

🔫 Handler 💼 Betrayal ⚖️ Authority

Michael

Ava’s former fiancé, Michael, adds layers of tension and conflict to the narrative. His struggles with debt and his relationship with Ava's sister create a sense of betrayal and unresolved feelings. Michael serves as a reflection of Ava's past, complicating her journey towards redemption.

💔 Love 💵 Debt 🎭 Tension

Setting

Uncover the settings of Ava (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film takes place in a contemporary setting, allowing for the exploration of modern themes such as addiction, redemption, and the effects of past trauma. The timeline includes flashbacks that reveal Ava's earlier life experiences, enhancing the narrative's tension.

Location

France, Boston, Saudi Arabia, Barneville-Carteret, British Columbia

The film traverses multiple significant locations, starting in France, where Ava captures an English businessman. The narrative then shifts to Boston, her estranged family's home, and Saudi Arabia, where she is sent for her next deadly mission. Other noteworthy places include Barneville-Carteret, where Ava confronts her past, and British Columbia, where the looming threat orchestrated by Duke unfolds.

🌍 Locations ✈️ Travel

Themes

Explore the core themes of Ava (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Redemption

Ava's journey revolves around her quest for redemption after a troubled past filled with addiction and violence. Throughout the film, she seeks to reconcile her relationships, particularly with her family, while grappling with her own demons. This theme resonates strongly in her decision-making and interactions with others.

⚔️

Survival

The theme of survival is prominent as Ava navigates through her dangerous line of work as an assassin. Faced with numerous threats, she demonstrates not only physical resilience but also emotional tenacity. Her struggle to survive extends beyond the external challenges she encounters, delving into her internal battles as well.

👩‍👧

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics play a crucial role in Ava's life, particularly her relationships with her mother and sister. The film portrays the complexities of reconnecting with loved ones after years of absence. As Ava confronts her past, the emotional stakes rise, highlighting the impact of familial ties on her identity and choices.

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