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Ava

Ava

Representation Score

8.3/10

Excellent

2017

Not Rated

Director

Léa Mysius

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ava is a compelling exploration of personal ability to act and sensory perception. The film's standout feature is its nuanced portrayal of disability, avoiding the typical inspirational stories and instead focusing on the protagonist's active engagement with her changing reality. While the film excels in gender representation and the portrayal of disability, it remains somewhat narrow in its demographic scope. The narrative centers on a localized, intimate experience rather than a broad, multi-layered cast. Overall, the film succeeds by challenging traditional coming-of-age narratives. It replaces conventional moral lessons with a focus on individual truth and reclaiming autonomy from restrictive societal structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ava have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not prominently feature same-sex relationships or gender non-conformity. However, it explores themes of fluid perception that align with queer theories, even though it doesn't make LGBTQ+ identity central to the plot.

How does Ava portray gender?

Good

Ava, the main character, is a strong and resilient woman who defies the stereotype of a fragile female. Her intelligence and decisiveness play a key role in driving the story forward.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ava?

Fair

The story focuses closely on the relationship between a mother and daughter, presenting a fragmented family structure rather than a cohesive, diverse cast. It does not offer much evidence of varied racial or ethnic representation.

How does Ava represent religion and culture?

Good

The film presents an anti-authoritarian perspective, where the protagonist's actions are driven by a desire for personal freedom. These actions challenge the conventional norms imposed by society.

Does Ava include disability representation?

Excellent

The movie provides a nuanced look at impending blindness, avoiding the typical inspirational stories about overcoming disability. Instead, it portrays sensory loss as a significant change in how the protagonist interacts with her surroundings.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a sophisticated, non-pitying portrayal of disability and sensory loss.
  • Features a strong female protagonist who exerts significant influence over her environment.
  • Challenges traditional gender hierarchies and avoids the 'fragile female' stereotype.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks overt emphasis on LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional romantic arcs.
  • Shows limited evidence of broad racial or ethnic diversity within the cast.
  • Does not actively utilize multi-layered identity politics as a narrative driver.

Official Synopsis

Ava, 13, is spending the summer on the Atlantic coast when she learns that she will lose her sight sooner than expected. Her mother decides to act as if everything were normal so as to spend their best summer ever. Ava confronts the problem in her own way. She steals a big black dog that belongs to a young man on the run...

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