Review: “Marionette” by Ava Della Pietra

“Marionette” by Ava Della Pietra

Director: Nathan Levine-Heaney

At just 20 years old, Ava Della Pietra has already proven herself as an exceptional talent, flourishing on Broadway stages, in songwriting competitions, and across streaming platforms worldwide. Yet every artist, no matter how gifted, has a defining moment, one project that feels like the turning point toward true stardom. With Marionette, we believe Ava has found hers.

We have admired her previous music videos - Ego, Talk It Out, 2 Can Play, Moon Over Capri - all creative, bold, and beautifully produced. But Marionette is different. It carries a sense of scale, intensity, and cinematic vision that makes it stand out as a milestone in her artistic journey.

The video, shot entirely in black and white, opens with hands tied to strings, evoking the fragile power dynamic of a puppet under control. Ava sings surrounded by dancers, her performance both vulnerable and commanding. In one striking sequence, she steps into a hall of mirrors, before being pulled backward as if by invisible forces. Umbrellas twirl around her in choreographed precision, adding surreal energy, until the climactic moment: the strings that once held her are torn apart. Ava, the marionette, breaks free.

The imagery resonates perfectly with the lyrics:

“My strings are frayed, dear puppeteer / Have mercy, let me disappear…

Can’t help it, you’re controlling me so easily…”

It’s a metaphor that speaks universally, about control, release, and empowerment. And Ava embodies it with passion, grace, and striking emotional presence.

Visually, Marionette is remarkable. The stark monochrome palette emphasizes every shadow and movement, creating a haunting yet elegant atmosphere. The use of space and set design - from the strings and puppet imagery to the hall of mirrors - deepens the metaphor of control and liberation. Each frame feels carefully composed, balancing theatricality with cinematic sophistication. The choreography with dancers and props, like the umbrellas, transforms the video into a visual performance piece that complements the song’s emotional arc. Much of this success is thanks to the team behind the camera: director Nathan Levine-Heaney, producer Darin Friedmann, and choreographer Michael McCrary, whose combined vision, precision, and artistry elevate the video to an outstanding level.

What moves us most, beyond the technical excellence of the production, is Ava’s determination. She doesn’t just sing, she commits fully, with an energy and focus that cannot be ignored. At only 20, she shows a discipline and clarity of purpose that many artists spend a lifetime searching for.

Ava Della Pietra has the voice, the vision, and the drive to make it happen - and with Marionette, she takes a bold step toward that future.

Website: https://www.avadellapietra.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avadellapietra/