AVA: A Twist in the Road

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.

A very strong story about loneliness and resilience! I was immersed in the journey and it is refreshing to not be watching the same bland characters that Hollywood puts on the forefront. Love that it focuses on older people. Bravo!

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!

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.

It's a realistic story which many will be able to relate to. It has a good mix of sad and charming. I really enjoyed Catherane Skillen's performance and see in the credits that she also wrote, directed and executive produced the film, which is not an easy task. Kudos to her for this accomplishment! One of the reasons I watch indie films is because a lot of them are based on realistic and relatable stories, unlike many mainstream films today. There are many touching, heartfelt and also awkward moments which will leave you caring for the lead, the supporting characters, and the situations they find themselves in. I cared because I actually know people like Ava, and could emphasize with her heartbreak, loss, sadness and desire to find strength to move on. I feel like one of the takeaways of this film is, "It's never too late"... Never too late to start all over again, never too late to gain your independence and confidence, never too late to let go, reinvent yourself, or start a new life. Another very important takeaway for me was the need to change when your circumstances change; importance of finding strength to overcome grief. The film felt personal in a way because I have a very close relative who was unable to recover and regain himself after loss. Seeing him wither away was a big tragedy. Glad that Skillen's character was able to let go and find inner strength to change along with her destiny.