Ava begins with a feisty opening where Ioan Gruffudd as a businessman is a sleazy target for the sultry hit-woman and the sequence teases a slightly campy violent romp. Yet nothing in the following 90 minutes hits the heights of this first scene.

As Ava reconnects with her estranged sister and ill mother (an excellent Geena Davis), a half-hearted Bourne Identity narrative flails around trying to hook onto something reminiscent of an original idea. 

John Malkovich stars as Ava’s boss giving her direction (sort of) and advice, whilst Colin Farrell is underused as he delivers an over-the-top pantomime villain role. The fight scenes are haphazardly shot and edited and for a film containing so many A-listers, Ava looks incredibly cheap for a vehicle featuring actors of this calibre. 

Sadly, not one of these talents can elevate the material beyond its derivative set up. Blandly directed by Tate Taylor, the man behind the disappointing horror Ma from last year, don’t expect a Miss Sloane or Molly’s Game as despite Chastain’s ballsy performance it’s a yawn fest throughout. 

Ava therefore ends as a toothless run-of-the-mill thriller sleepwalking through dramatic beats and cheaply shot action.

★★