I enjoy indie films and I tend to watch a lot of them. I enjoy them because every once in a while you come upon a little gem. Well for me, that's how I feel about this wonderful indie film. I loved the story and the acting. The acting was spot on and the story very relatable. Great job all. You get a thumb's up from me on this one.
51 Reviews
Strong Performance
roblivings8 May 2022
A movie of HOPE.
sp154724 April 2023
I love that the writer/director/producers or whoever decided to tell the story with mature actors, using issues people must face as we age. Too often movies overlook these issues and struggles. I really appreciate that this film has a strong female lead, who is also older, which we don't see in many movies. One thing that the mainstream film industry constantly fails to do is make films about older people. AVA: A Twist In The Road is a great indie gem that the big studios could learn from. Thanks to the filmmakers for making this movie and for showing the world we can still find hope at any age.
Made me care
directortim20127 February 2022
That's always the first rule for me. Make me care about the lead and the story, and this film did just that. Her struggles were relatable and the story held me throughout. As someone in the middle of life, it's always nice to see a story with more mature characters. And the acting and storytelling was excellent!
Beautiful storytelling
jannycwriter2 June 2022
I didn't want to admit adored this movie. While I am not much for drama films,I was gripped with the elegant storytelling. Watching was easy, and I soon became invested in Ava and her journey. Performances-wise, the cast did a great job distracting from the minor in-synchronicities of the film's shaky camera work in spots. Skillen is a triple threat, though, as she also plays Ava (Skillen directed and wrote). Skillen gives Ava a sweet naivety and likeability that is solid and believable. A lovely sweet, touching film.
a touching exploration of love and loss
ReneWest24 May 2024
The film tells the poignant story of Ava, who has spent years with the love of her life, experiencing the occasional ups and downs typical in any relationship. Her life is filled with happiness and contentment until a sudden tragic event shatters her world. The narrative takes a deep dive into Ava's journey as she navigates this unforeseen and challenging new reality, one she never imagined facing.
The storytelling is heartfelt and deeply emotional, capturing the essence of love, loss, and resilience. The lead actress delivers a powerful performance, portraying Ava's inner turmoil and strength with remarkable authenticity. The supporting cast also does a commendable job, adding depth and complexity to the story.
The cinematography beautifully captures the contrasting phases of Ava's life, from the warm, joyful moments to the darker, more introspective times. The film's pacing is well-balanced, allowing the audience to connect with Ava's struggles and triumphs. The soundtrack complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.
Overall, this movie is a touching exploration of love and loss, and how one finds the strength to move forward in the face of unimaginable challenges. It's a compelling watch that resonates on many levels, earning it a solid 8/10.
The storytelling is heartfelt and deeply emotional, capturing the essence of love, loss, and resilience. The lead actress delivers a powerful performance, portraying Ava's inner turmoil and strength with remarkable authenticity. The supporting cast also does a commendable job, adding depth and complexity to the story.
The cinematography beautifully captures the contrasting phases of Ava's life, from the warm, joyful moments to the darker, more introspective times. The film's pacing is well-balanced, allowing the audience to connect with Ava's struggles and triumphs. The soundtrack complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.
Overall, this movie is a touching exploration of love and loss, and how one finds the strength to move forward in the face of unimaginable challenges. It's a compelling watch that resonates on many levels, earning it a solid 8/10.
What's with the high ratings?!!
taylorfrost-080371 June 2022
I can not believe prime video actual aired this, Poor Poor acting and painfully slow and the main charactor didn't feel sorry for her at all. Watched the whole movie haha the whole time asking myself why, why are you watching this my 2 bits.
A sincere and inspiring indie film
pooja-j-patel73 June 2022
For me, AVA: A Twist in the Road is a story about loss. And director Catherane Skillen pulls this story off well. Most importantly, I appreciated the characters. They felt real to me-like real people-not like the hollow, derivative characters that we see in most modern films today. Ava is a character that you can relate to and want to invest your time and attention to. The cinematography stood out to me as well. The style of cinematography was appropriate for the story and impressive, especially for an indie film. I can't wait to see what Skillen has planned for her next project.
Well done!
BandSAboutMovies10 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love when filmmakers send me their movies and ask me to watch them. It's always a daunting proposition -- all I do is throw a few hundred words at something that may have been their life's work, you know? That said, when Catherane Skillen sent me a copy of her film AVA: A Twist In the Road, it didn't seem like the kind of movie that I usually have on the site.
But then I watched it and I'm honestly fascinated by it.
Ava (Skillen) and Bobby (Bill Lewis) are an older couple who, if you met them, you may think that they've been married forever. But Ava came along as the second wife, taking care of Bobby while his first wife had mental issues and was hospitalized for years. Now, they travel the world, he keeps her in a gorgeous condo and she wants for nothing other than to have more of his time, because all Bobby does is work.
It's not a bad life. It isn't perfect. But again, it's not a bad life.
But then Bobby dies. And that's when everything changes.
Everything Ava owned belonged to his company. And his son Bob Jr. (Steve Dellatori) has been waiting to get Ava out of his life forever.
The reason why I'm fascinated with AVA is that it has such an intriguing narrative because it drops us into her life and by the end, we're unsure if she'll be able to succeed. All of her monetary possessions no longer seem important to her, she's found an actual job that before would be beneath her and she's trying to connect with others. And then...that's the end.
The camera in this has a strange focus, darting all over, cutting to images in the middle of conversations and at times feeling hallucinatory yet that adds to the overall experience for me. Because unlike so much of what we consume for entertainment, AVA is incredibly real and honest. It feels lived in. It feels authentic.
There are moments when the tone wildly shifts -- I saw one review that took the movie to task for this -- and I think that makes it feel true to life. And while not all of the acting is perfect, Skillen is really great at the role. You can't help but be on her side.
I'd really be interested to know how she was inspired to make this. It seems like she acted in the 70s -- an episode of Columbo in 1976, the TV movie Dog and Cat in 1977 with Richard Lynch and an appearance in 1978's Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold and the TV series Jessie in 1984 are all that are on her IMDB before she started creating AVA as a web series in 2017.
So yeah. If you have a movie, send it my way. I do so love seeing original visions. This is definitely one of those. And it's cool to see an older woman in the spotlight (and heading up the creative end, too).
But then I watched it and I'm honestly fascinated by it.
Ava (Skillen) and Bobby (Bill Lewis) are an older couple who, if you met them, you may think that they've been married forever. But Ava came along as the second wife, taking care of Bobby while his first wife had mental issues and was hospitalized for years. Now, they travel the world, he keeps her in a gorgeous condo and she wants for nothing other than to have more of his time, because all Bobby does is work.
It's not a bad life. It isn't perfect. But again, it's not a bad life.
But then Bobby dies. And that's when everything changes.
Everything Ava owned belonged to his company. And his son Bob Jr. (Steve Dellatori) has been waiting to get Ava out of his life forever.
The reason why I'm fascinated with AVA is that it has such an intriguing narrative because it drops us into her life and by the end, we're unsure if she'll be able to succeed. All of her monetary possessions no longer seem important to her, she's found an actual job that before would be beneath her and she's trying to connect with others. And then...that's the end.
The camera in this has a strange focus, darting all over, cutting to images in the middle of conversations and at times feeling hallucinatory yet that adds to the overall experience for me. Because unlike so much of what we consume for entertainment, AVA is incredibly real and honest. It feels lived in. It feels authentic.
There are moments when the tone wildly shifts -- I saw one review that took the movie to task for this -- and I think that makes it feel true to life. And while not all of the acting is perfect, Skillen is really great at the role. You can't help but be on her side.
I'd really be interested to know how she was inspired to make this. It seems like she acted in the 70s -- an episode of Columbo in 1976, the TV movie Dog and Cat in 1977 with Richard Lynch and an appearance in 1978's Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold and the TV series Jessie in 1984 are all that are on her IMDB before she started creating AVA as a web series in 2017.
So yeah. If you have a movie, send it my way. I do so love seeing original visions. This is definitely one of those. And it's cool to see an older woman in the spotlight (and heading up the creative end, too).
Painfully slow
filmcriticandreview17 February 2022
The lead grandfatherly actor is strong and solid. The lead grandmotherly actress struggled throughout. Some shaky camera movements didn't fit in or were done by mistake and without use of a tripod. The "f" word was used at least twice unnecessarily. Some of the other actors seemed new to acting. I guess the biggest drawback was how slow the movie was it just seemed like it dragged on and on.
Strong scenes I remember
travisgrenke4 April 2022
Just watched! I wasn't sure if I was going to like the movie or not at 44 years old, but I absolutely finished it! Had some really nice performances from the actors and I'm now thinking of friends I could also recommend this movie to watch to be inspired and entertained.
Letting Go and Finding Independence
filmpurgatory2 June 2022
One thing that the mainstream film industry constantly fails to do is make films about older people. Many legendary older actors in the industry are often sidelined in favor of younger generations in most films. Older women have it even worse, often being relegated to specific roles, like the evil stepmother. A range of stories can be told with an older protagonist and older women and AVA: A Twist in the Road shows this off well.
This film is anything but a traditional drama. The story beats that are expected of the film don't happen. Instead, the film goes on a more freeform path where major story and character elements just happen. Is this a bad thing? Far from it. Movies shouldn't have to be predictable, because why would I want to see something where I can predict what's going to happen in the next scene? Although the film doesn't have a traditional approach, it ultimately succeeds at telling a story about moving on and becoming self-sufficient.
Some of my favorite shots in the film have to be when Ava is grieving in her home after learning of Bobby's tragic death. Unlike some films that I've seen, Ava's portrayal of grief is very accurate. She shuts herself in away from her friends, drinks her sorrows away and struggles to move on. Meanwhile, her neighbors and friends try to help her move on from Bobby's death by bringing her food and flowers. Throughout the film, Ava struggles to overcome her loss, as her previous idyllic life begins crumbling around her. Despite the film's strengths, there are a few problems I had with it. Some of the film's dialogue felt a bit too on-the-nose. Additionally, some of the lines delivered were a bit weak, and I also felt a few of the scene transitions were a bit too tacky at times and could have been toned down a bit.
Carrying the film is our lead played by Catherane Skillen. Her earnest performance makes Ava both relatable and likable. While she doesn't nail every line delivery, her performance feels very real, something many actors struggle with. My second favorite performance has to be Tannis Benedict who had the best line delivery as Ava's best friend, Leanne. However, I felt that Louie Mandrapilias as Michael was a bit stiff on his line delivery in his first few scenes, but noticeably improved later.
Overall, AVA: A Twist in the Road is good in its general storytelling and message. However, its technical side does suffer a bit, which occasionally takes me out of the film. Despite this, the film makes up for this by making Ava a likable protagonist who perseveres through and through. Is this film a perfect movie? No, but then again most films are not. But is it worth watching? Yes, I think it's worth a viewing, especially for those who are either undergoing or have underwent the cycle of grief.
This film is anything but a traditional drama. The story beats that are expected of the film don't happen. Instead, the film goes on a more freeform path where major story and character elements just happen. Is this a bad thing? Far from it. Movies shouldn't have to be predictable, because why would I want to see something where I can predict what's going to happen in the next scene? Although the film doesn't have a traditional approach, it ultimately succeeds at telling a story about moving on and becoming self-sufficient.
Some of my favorite shots in the film have to be when Ava is grieving in her home after learning of Bobby's tragic death. Unlike some films that I've seen, Ava's portrayal of grief is very accurate. She shuts herself in away from her friends, drinks her sorrows away and struggles to move on. Meanwhile, her neighbors and friends try to help her move on from Bobby's death by bringing her food and flowers. Throughout the film, Ava struggles to overcome her loss, as her previous idyllic life begins crumbling around her. Despite the film's strengths, there are a few problems I had with it. Some of the film's dialogue felt a bit too on-the-nose. Additionally, some of the lines delivered were a bit weak, and I also felt a few of the scene transitions were a bit too tacky at times and could have been toned down a bit.
Carrying the film is our lead played by Catherane Skillen. Her earnest performance makes Ava both relatable and likable. While she doesn't nail every line delivery, her performance feels very real, something many actors struggle with. My second favorite performance has to be Tannis Benedict who had the best line delivery as Ava's best friend, Leanne. However, I felt that Louie Mandrapilias as Michael was a bit stiff on his line delivery in his first few scenes, but noticeably improved later.
Overall, AVA: A Twist in the Road is good in its general storytelling and message. However, its technical side does suffer a bit, which occasionally takes me out of the film. Despite this, the film makes up for this by making Ava a likable protagonist who perseveres through and through. Is this film a perfect movie? No, but then again most films are not. But is it worth watching? Yes, I think it's worth a viewing, especially for those who are either undergoing or have underwent the cycle of grief.
An interesting film with relatable themes
aleptos5 August 2022
'AVA: A Twist in the Road' by Catherane Skillen tells the story of the titular character as she navigates well, a twist in the road. That road being figurative of course in this bumpy thing we call life. Ava (Skillen) and her long-time partner Bobby (Bill Lewis) have a loving and healthy relationship. Just like all long-term relationships however, it isn't perfect. Bobby is away a lot for work and Ava wishes that they spent more quality time together. Suddenly, Bobby passes away and leaves Ava all alone. Having relied on Bobby for literally everything through their life together, this proves very difficult.
Firstly, having an older woman as the focal point of the story is certainly refreshing, as is the portrayal of she and Bobby's relationship as loving, playful and sexually active just as that of a younger couple, which is something that is often forgotten and not played up as much on the screen.
The narrative is clear and focused with a very straightforward A-B structure but just as the title alludes to, there are twists in the road and the loss of Bobby is not the only one. In addition to all the stress that Ava is facing trying to navigate life without the one person she counted on, Bobby's son Bob Jr. Ahem, I mean "Robert", bitter about the fact that his father left his mother for Ava, is trying to make sure that she gets nothing from his father's estate. At first, this sub-plot was interesting and even felt like the film could take on a thriller quality but it was dismissed rather quickly and ultimately the foundation laid and the characterisation of Robert ended up being unnecessary.
There are certainly some filmmaking wins in 'AVA' and a stand-out scene comes during her attendance at a party that she doesn't really want to be at. The scene takes on a dream-like quality as Ava is approached by a variety of people all sharing their personal opinions and stories with her, whilst the sounds of conversations and laughter close in creating a claustrophobic feeling which is reflective of what somebody in her situation might feel in a social situation, and will certainly be relatable to anybody who has experienced social anxiety.
There are some good performances here, mainly from Skillen and she manages to elevate those around her who give weaker, but not bad performances. Paired with some questionable editing choices and dated transitions, 'AVA' at times sort of resembles a Sunday afternoon soap opera. Bill Lewis as Bobby is also a standout,
The film isn't really sure what it wants to be with a shifting tone from light-hearted to depressing with the colour pallet and soundtrack to match. Of course, grief is a big part of the affair and that grief is less suggestive and more in an on the nose "I'm holding this knife and you know what that means!" kind of way. It's not an issue per se, but it wasn't totally necessary and seems to really want to make sure that you understand how depressed Ava is, assuming we aren't already aware of the impact that an event like this can have on a person.
The end comes rather quickly with the runtime clocking in at just 1 hour and 14 minutes. The film fails to deliver a big payoff as one might expect however there is a very nice moment of clarity to close.
Overall, 'AVA: A Twist in the Road' is an interesting but flawed picture with some relatable themes of love, loss but also serves as an important cautionary tale of making sure to take charge of your own life and not rely entirely on somebody else.
Firstly, having an older woman as the focal point of the story is certainly refreshing, as is the portrayal of she and Bobby's relationship as loving, playful and sexually active just as that of a younger couple, which is something that is often forgotten and not played up as much on the screen.
The narrative is clear and focused with a very straightforward A-B structure but just as the title alludes to, there are twists in the road and the loss of Bobby is not the only one. In addition to all the stress that Ava is facing trying to navigate life without the one person she counted on, Bobby's son Bob Jr. Ahem, I mean "Robert", bitter about the fact that his father left his mother for Ava, is trying to make sure that she gets nothing from his father's estate. At first, this sub-plot was interesting and even felt like the film could take on a thriller quality but it was dismissed rather quickly and ultimately the foundation laid and the characterisation of Robert ended up being unnecessary.
There are certainly some filmmaking wins in 'AVA' and a stand-out scene comes during her attendance at a party that she doesn't really want to be at. The scene takes on a dream-like quality as Ava is approached by a variety of people all sharing their personal opinions and stories with her, whilst the sounds of conversations and laughter close in creating a claustrophobic feeling which is reflective of what somebody in her situation might feel in a social situation, and will certainly be relatable to anybody who has experienced social anxiety.
There are some good performances here, mainly from Skillen and she manages to elevate those around her who give weaker, but not bad performances. Paired with some questionable editing choices and dated transitions, 'AVA' at times sort of resembles a Sunday afternoon soap opera. Bill Lewis as Bobby is also a standout,
The film isn't really sure what it wants to be with a shifting tone from light-hearted to depressing with the colour pallet and soundtrack to match. Of course, grief is a big part of the affair and that grief is less suggestive and more in an on the nose "I'm holding this knife and you know what that means!" kind of way. It's not an issue per se, but it wasn't totally necessary and seems to really want to make sure that you understand how depressed Ava is, assuming we aren't already aware of the impact that an event like this can have on a person.
The end comes rather quickly with the runtime clocking in at just 1 hour and 14 minutes. The film fails to deliver a big payoff as one might expect however there is a very nice moment of clarity to close.
Overall, 'AVA: A Twist in the Road' is an interesting but flawed picture with some relatable themes of love, loss but also serves as an important cautionary tale of making sure to take charge of your own life and not rely entirely on somebody else.
A Study in Grief
prjbii-326817 April 2023
"AVA: A Twist in the Road" offers a refreshing study in grief that focuses on the type of woman we do not often get to see on screen: a middle-aged woman dealing with the death of her husband and all the challenges that come with the pain.
Catharane Skillen carries the film and exudes both confidence and vulnerability and its hard not to root for her to find her way. Much credit to her for writing, directing, and starring in the film. Not an easy task.
The movie also wisely explores the impact a marriage can have on a spouse, the need for the other, while emphasizing the importance of independence and finding your own way once the connection has ended. A lesser film would have given a more heavy-handed message with little nuance.
Catharane Skillen carries the film and exudes both confidence and vulnerability and its hard not to root for her to find her way. Much credit to her for writing, directing, and starring in the film. Not an easy task.
The movie also wisely explores the impact a marriage can have on a spouse, the need for the other, while emphasizing the importance of independence and finding your own way once the connection has ended. A lesser film would have given a more heavy-handed message with little nuance.
A solid piece of storytelling for an underserved demographic
adrianjettleon16 May 2022
Ava: A Twist in the Road ended up being a very interesting drama. The story is well-paced and held my interest. I cared for the lead and found the entire cast to be charming. Among the smaller roles, I found Daniela Brown to be a standout. This is a film is a rarity; it is an intimate, realistic story for older audiences.
Interesting spin on a side of the story you don't often see
RBIves-202-7253529 November 2022
In any other movie, our main character Ava might be the villain. She's the other woman. She needy, shallow, and lacking in any kind of work skills. But the situation she has been thrust into forces her into thinking about what she really wants out of the last chapters of her life.
Writer/director/lead actress is unwavering in her intentions. You can tell she knows exactly how she wants to tell this story and is more than welcome to have you along for the ride.
The themes are universal enough to reach all ages, but the character and setting refuses to be anything you've seen before. Well done!
Writer/director/lead actress is unwavering in her intentions. You can tell she knows exactly how she wants to tell this story and is more than welcome to have you along for the ride.
The themes are universal enough to reach all ages, but the character and setting refuses to be anything you've seen before. Well done!
Nice Drama w/ Good Heart!
JeromeV7963112 March 2024
Any good movie begins with the main character. Show us their world, what is important to them and why, and we will be engaged. "Ava: A Twist in the Road" is a demonstration of this. Catherane Skillen, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film makes this abundantly clear by presenting us with an imperfect character that we come to understand and care about. Prompted by best friend Leanne (Tannis Benedict), she moves back into the world hoping to reintegrate and piece her life back together again. The movie depicts life choices I suspect many must face in later years. Nice turn by Sophiah Koikas (as matchmaker Irma). "AVA" is a courageous story that asks what it means to be independent, how to deal with extended families who shun you, and still find your light.
Solid film with a strong female lead!
lbarker089 June 2022
I really appreciate that this film has a strong female lead, who is also older, which we don't see in many movies. The story had good conflicts that escalated in an interesting way. There were parts that were a little slow, but ultimately it is a good watch!
Finding strength you didn't know you had.
rios_silvia_s14 May 2022
A wonderfully crafted short film about a woman coming to terms with the fact that her life has irrevocably changed in a moment and she has to summon the courage & strength to change along with her new circumstances. As she faces setbacks, we find ourselves rooting for her as she finds encouragement, solace, & support from a great circle of friends. Great performances throughout!
A cautionary tale, especially for older women
baccaruda16 February 2022
I've worked as a financial advisor for many years and I have had scores of women relate the same situation that this movie is talking about. They have a loving partnership with their mate, but during their entire time together it was always the man who took care of all financially related matters. Often times, the woman will say that she's not good with money, or that her husband is far better. Then when the man suddenly passes, the woman is often in financial dire straits because there was no planning or education. There are a lot of character archetypes in this film, especially rich, pampered older ladies who may one day find themselves in the same position as the main protagonist, Ava. What I found interesting about Ava, was that she wanted to live her new, unexpected situation on her own terms, even in the face of incredible stress and adversity. I'm sure this one will resonate with a lot of folks.
Compelling film about starting over
thesnarkascending12 August 2022
Ava is a sensitively made film anchored by compelling lead performances. The film and its lead, Catherane Skillen, draw you in quickly. It moves along at a good pace and you care about the characters; it's refreshing to see a film about a character like Skillen's. It's enjoyable and well-done. Kudos to Skillen and her team for their work.
Just let go and find the hope!
mettlesetdesigner27 August 2022
I ran across this delightful little indie film and must say I was impressed. I have always been a sucker for a movie that has hope as it's underlaying theme and this is a cautionary tale with just that.... HOPE. I love that the writer/director/producers or whoever decided to tell the story with mature actors, using issues people must face as we age. Too often Hollywood movies overlook these issues and struggles. This indie film does it in a beautiful way. It is a bit of a slow burn but it held my attention and I recommend it to be both young and old. A lot can be learned from watching a movie like this.
When life turns you upside-down
adorjanmarcel6 February 2022
This little indie gem is for the fans of drama. There is death, legal battles, loss of identity and financial security.
Ava's life is turned upside down when the love of her life is taken form her. She then has to fight her way through family, friends and a lot of negativity in order to discover who she really is and what she wants...and it's definitely no joyride.
Ava's life is turned upside down when the love of her life is taken form her. She then has to fight her way through family, friends and a lot of negativity in order to discover who she really is and what she wants...and it's definitely no joyride.
A good character study
kjs11448 January 2023
AVA: A Twist in the Road is an interesting character study of a woman who loses the man she loves and has to deal with her life in the aftermath of his death, and how she will move forward. It is rare to see a film that does such an in depth character study of one person, and it is fascinating to watch. The movie is unpredictable, and you're never quite sure what is going to happen next. The story is a very raw and honest look at love, loss, and struggle. The writing was superb in crafting this very unique story. The title is also very unique and very appropriate for the movie. Give this one a watch!
Relatable, universal story.
lee_yang_18 July 2022
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