The reviews are out for the new movie "Ava," which received above-average feedback from critics who generally praised it for being powerful and authentic, treating viewers to a surreal experience.
The art-house drama, directed by Lea Mysius, received an impressive 83 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a site that averages review scores from various entertainment sources. Here are what some of the pundits had to say.
Orla Smith from Seventh Row stated, "The playful, comedic tone in which Mysius directs the gun chase reflects Ava's subjective experience. It stands out as surreal in a film that otherwise takes Ava's experiences at face value."
Next, Alistair Ryder from Film Inquiry expressed, "Even when handled with care, the sexualized portrayal of Ava feels exploitative, detracting from alls that makes Ava such a refreshing take on a female coming of age story."
Lastly, Christopher Machell from CineVue remarked, "In its totality Ava is a powerful and authentic depiction of a vital moment in a young woman's life."
The story is about a 13-year-old girl named Ava (Noee Abita) who is on vacation with her family beside the ocean. Sadly, while enjoying the tropical sun and swimming in the clear blue sea, she learns from her parents that she will lose her eyesight much earlier than doctors predicted. Ava is devastated by the news, to her parents' dismay and sadness.
Nevertheless, her mother decides not to allow the sadness to take over the vacation. She proceeds to behave as if nothing has changed so that they could enjoy the loveliest summer of their lives. Ava appreciates her mother's efforts, but the young girl decides to deal with the onset of blindness in her own way. She steals a black dog, which becomes her friend.
"Ava" is set to premiere on Friday, Jan 26, in theaters all across the nation.
