Ava 2018
Directed by
Sadaf Foroughi
Made by
Grasshopper Film
Ava Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Ava (2018). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
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.
Ava Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Ava (2018) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ava Characters
Explore all characters from Ava (2018). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ava Settings
Learn where and when Ava (2018) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the 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.
Ava Themes
Discover the main themes in Ava (2018). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Ava Ending Explained
Unravel the ending of Ava (2018) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
In the ending of Ava, after a series of intense confrontations, Ava finally takes down her presumed main antagonist, Simon, by shooting him in the head, fulfilling her revenge and freeing her from his dangerous hold. She then persuades her family to escape and start a new life, believing she’s done her part to protect them. However, just as they depart, it is revealed that Camille, Simon’s daughter, has been silently following Ava throughout the story. While she doesn’t act immediately on her pursuit, her presence suggests she is now set up as the potential villain for a sequel.
This closing scene leaves Ava in a somewhat peaceful place, feeling accomplished and hopeful, yet aware that her past may still catch up with her. The film hints that the organization still considers her a threat, and her mental state may be strained by the toll of her work. The fact that Camille is now observing Ava signals a new chapter—one where Ava might face a more formidable opponent in Camille, possibly seeking revenge or justice for her family. The movie ends with a sense of unresolved tension, leaving viewers to wonder whether Ava’s hope for a fresh start will survive her persistent enemies. Ultimately, Ava emphasizes the complex pursuit of happiness and safety in a dangerous world, suggesting that even when one finds a moment of peace, the shadows of their past might still loom.
Ava Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Ava (2018). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the bustling streets of Tehran, a city where ancient traditions mingle with the pulse of modern life, Ava walks the thin line between youthful ambition and the weight of her family’s expectations. A bright and curious teenager, she finds solace in the rhythms of music and the fleeting comfort of friendships that feel both ordinary and revolutionary. The city’s layered backdrop—its cafés humming with quiet chatter, the call to prayer echoing over traffic, the vibrant murals that hint at hidden stories—serves as a canvas for her dreams, each day offering a new brushstroke of possibility.
At home, her mother embodies the strict, protective values that have guided generations, watching Ava’s every move with an intensity that both comforts and confines. The household is a microcosm of the larger cultural tension: a love‑filled devotion to family tradition that can feel suffocating to a mind eager to explore beyond the familiar. Ava’s internal dialogue is a constant negotiation between respect for her roots and a yearning to carve out an identity that feels true to herself.
The film’s tone balances gentle melancholy with the restless energy of adolescence. Light moments of laughter with friends are interspersed with quiet, introspective scenes where Ava listens to a favorite song and imagines a life unbound by expectations. The mood is richly textured, drawing viewers into the subtle rebellion that simmers beneath polite conversation and the careful choreography of daily routines.
As she steps further into the world beyond her home—school corridors buzzing with whispered ambitions, city parks where secret ideas are exchanged—Ava begins to sense the first glimmers of empowerment. The story promises a journey of self‑discovery, inviting the audience to wonder how far a determined spirit can travel when the only limits are those imposed by tradition and the courage to question them.
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