Quick Take: Directed by Marina Rice Bader, Ava’s Impossible Things is a rare, vibrant hybrid of queer romance and escapist fantasy that explores grief, maternal bonds, and finding hope in times of deep loss.
📌 Plot Overview
Ava is at a painful crossroads in her life: she is the full-time caregiver for her terminally ill mother, Faye. As Faye's health deteriorates, Ava suppresses her own emotional needs and desires to remain strong for her parent.
To cope with the unbearable grief, Ava escapes into her childhood imagination—a vivid, magical world populated by her former imaginary friends, heroines, and forgotten dreams. In this dreamscape, she meets a captivating woman who forces her to confront her deepest fears, processing her grief and discovering her own capacity for love, acceptance, and moving forward.
💡 Why It’s Worth Watching
Groundbreaking Platform History: Ava's Impossible Things holds a special place in LGBTQ+ media history as the first feature film backed and funded by Vimeo Originals to premiere at Outfest.
Queer Fantasy & Escapism: Unlike many grounded indie dramas, the film leans into lush visual aesthetics and magical realism to explore internal trauma and queer romantic desire.
A Heartfelt Exploration of Caregiving: Director Marina Rice Bader (Anatomy of a Love Seen) approaches the weight of caregiving and grief with immense empathy, tenderness, and warmth.
🏷️ Interactive Tags & Motifs
Genre: Queer Fantasy / Drama / Romance / Magical Realism
Representation & Themes: Lesbian Romance, Caregiver Burnout, Grief & Healing, Mother-Daughter Bond, Escapism
Mood & Tone: Bittersweet, Whimsical, Emotional, Intimate, Dreamlike
Content Warnings: Terminal illness themes, loss of a parent, emotional distress
⭐️ Verdict & Final Thoughts
Ava’s Impossible Things is a heartfelt, visually ambitious celebration of resilience and love. While its whimsical approach to heavy themes like grief may not suit every taste, it offers a refreshing, comforting watch for audiences seeking a compassionate lesbian drama with a touch of magic.
📺 Where to Watch
Streaming & VOD: Available to stream on Tubi and The Roku Channel (US/regional variations apply).
VOD Rentals: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV.
