Review for ‘‘Ava + Eli 4ever’’ by Jazmine Cornielle

If you've ever wondered what would happen if a breakup was interrupted by a sudden, untimely death—and if that breakup-turned-afterlife could still be as messy and awkward as its mortal version—then Ava + Eli 4ever is the quirky, supernatural rom-com you didn’t know you needed. Directed by Lauren Anthony and produced by the multitalented Jazmine Cornielle, this 40-minute indie gem effortlessly blends romance, comedy, and existential ghostly woes with a charm that lingers long after the credits roll.

The premise is deliciously absurd: Eli, finds himself haunted by the clingy ghost of his recently deceased girlfriend, Ava. Here's the kicker—he was going to break up with her before she tragically passed away. Now he's stuck in a purgatorial relationship he can't escape, no matter how much he tries to "ghost" her.

The writing, much like its titular characters, is sharp, quirky, and refreshingly self-aware. Despite its spectral twist, the story feels incredibly human. We've all experienced those relationships that seem impossible to end—just, you know, without the whole "haunting from the afterlife" thing. Ava's refusal to let go, and Eli's desperate attempts to move on, are both hilariously relatable, but the film also digs into something deeper. It’s not just about the absurdity of being haunted by a clingy ex, but the emotional weight that comes with guilt, regret, and unfinished business.

The cast delivers across the board. Ava, played with manic energy and just the right dose of charm. Eli, in contrast, is understated, the perfect foil to Ava’s larger-than-life persistence. Their chemistry is palpable, and their comedic timing is impeccable. Lauren Anthony’s direction deserves a nod for bringing a creative flair to a low-budget production.

But as with any indie film, Ava + Eli 4ever has its rough edges. The sound design during dialogue is inconsistent, at times muffling important lines, which can pull you out of the moment. Certain locations feel like they could have used a bit more polish, and the cinematography, occasionally falls flat, leaving some scenes looking greyer than intended. However, these technical hiccups are easy to overlook when the storytelling is as engaging and the characters as likable as they are here.

Where Ava + Eli 4ever truly shines is in its heart. For all its ghostly gags and awkward encounters, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional messiness of relationships, both in life and death.

Jazmine Cornielle, as producer, brings her unique flair for blending horror and comedy, which shines through in the film’s ability to balance both the ridiculous and the heartfelt. It’s easy to see the influence of her past work with dark comedy sketches and horror projects, and it’s clear she’s carved out a niche for herself with this kind of whimsical, yet emotionally resonant storytelling.

Ultimately, it's a breath of fresh air in the rom-com genre. It’s quirky, endearing, and unafraid to embrace its own strangeness. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, but much like its characters, it’s the imperfections that make it so lovable.

So, if you’re up for a story about love, loss, and the most clingy ghost ever, then Ava + Eli 4ever will haunt you in the best possible way. After all, in the world of relationships, some bonds just refuse to die… even when one of you already has.