Prime Video UK’s Ava is a tense, twisty assassin thriller — and Jessica Chastain brings serious firepower
The action-packed assassin thriller Ava is heating up on Prime Video UK, and it’s not hard to see why. With Jessica Chastain leading the charge, this high-stakes action movie delivers tension, betrayal, and plenty of stylish gunplay.
Although Ava originally hit screens in 2020, it’s now climbing Prime Video UK’s top movie charts, proving that a sharp story with a top-tier cast never goes out of style.
If you’re in the mood for a sleek, globe-trotting action flick with serious edge, Ava is worth adding to your watchlist. Here’s what you need to know before hitting play.
Stream Ava now on Prime Video UK.
What is Ava about?
Ava follows the story of Ava Faulkner (Jessica Chastain), a skilled black ops assassin who begins to question her work. After a high-profile hit goes wrong, Ava finds herself on the run, not from enemies, but from the very organization she once trusted.
Things get personal as Ava is hunted by her former handler, Duke (John Malkovich), and targeted by Simon (Colin Farrell), a ruthless figure in the agency who sees her as a threat.
As Ava navigates deadly confrontations and tries to reconnect with her estranged family, including her mother (Geena Davis) and sister (Jess Weixler), she’s forced to fight for her life while untangling the lies that put her in the crosshairs.
Ava stands out with an all-star cast and sharp action
Let’s be honest, not every assassin movie hits the mark, but Ava delivers with style. Jessica Chastain, who also serves as a producer, leads with strength and emotion, showing a complex side to a character often portrayed as cold.
John Malkovich brings his usual gravitas as Duke, a mentor torn between loyalty and duty. Colin Farrell adds menace as Simon, offering a chilling performance as a man who stops at nothing to clean up loose ends.
The film also features rapper-turned-actor Common as Ava’s ex, Ioan Gruffudd in a small but key role, and Geena Davis, who delivers one of the more emotional scenes in the movie. Even with limited screen time, Joan Chen, Diana Silvers, and Jess Weixler all help round out a talented supporting cast.
Not perfect — but a slick, stylish thriller that keeps you hooked
While Ava doesn’t rewrite the rules of the action-thriller genre, it’s a solid, fast-paced movie with tight fight choreography and emotional stakes. Directed by Tate Taylor (The Help, Ma), the film keeps things moving with enough tension to keep viewers on edge.
The pacing can feel uneven at times, and some character arcs could use more depth. But thanks to Chastain’s commanding presence and the film’s moody tone, it works.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Ava holds a 16% critic score, but audiences have been far more generous, and it’s clear why. This is one of those movies critics might have dismissed, but action fans are still discovering. Its popularity on Prime Video proves that people are hungry for tense, female-led thrillers.
Is Ava worth your time on Prime Video UK?
Yes, especially if you’re a fan of assassin thrillers with personal stakes, dramatic family tension, and gritty action sequences. Ava offers a layered lead performance, stylish visuals, and just enough twists to keep you guessing.
It’s not the next John Wick, but it doesn’t have to be. Ava is a bloody, bold action flick with a powerhouse performance at its core.
With Prime Video UK often cluttered with forgettable titles, Ava is a standout that’s actually worth a watch, right alongside hits like The Accountant, The Beekeeper, and The Old Guard. So if you’re browsing Prime tonight, give Ava a shot.