A gripping drama that has left viewers moved to tears and laughter is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The 2021 romantic film Ali & Ava centers on the developing romance between teaching assistant Ava, played by Claire Rushbrook, and landlord Ali, portrayed by Adeel Akhtar.
Storyline and Reception
Initially bonding over a shared passion for music, the pair slowly develop deeper feelings. However, they must navigate family complications and deeply ingrained prejudices. Written and directed by BAFTA-nominated Clio Barnard, the film is set in Bradford, northern England, and holds an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a 6.7 out of 10 on IMDb.
Since its release, Ali & Ava has garnered glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike. One IMDb user proclaimed: 'As good as cinema gets.' Another remarked: 'It's a Clio Barnard movie, which is really all you need to know. She may not be a household name, but she's one of the best directors working in cinema, and this hard-hitting, deeply affectionate film is a joy from start to finish.'
Audience Reactions
A third viewer added: 'I found this movie so beautiful. It made me cry and laugh. Finally, a love story that doesn't look like an expensive fragrance TV advertisement. Complex characters in complex situations with complex backgrounds fall in love and discover themselves. And finally, two main characters that don't look like fashion models!' Another wrote: 'There's no big set pieces here, no flashy cinematic tricks. This is simple, raw and honest filmmaking. A thought-provoking window into lives that may tell us more about ourselves than we realise.'
Director's Vision
Speaking to The Guardian, writer and director Clio Barnard revealed her determination to make Ali & Ava a hopeful film. 'I wanted to make something that honoured the people on Holme Wood and the city they live in,' she said. 'The way Adeel talks about it is joy is an act of resistance, and kindness is a courageous act. We've seen a lot of divisiveness from politicians, but what I've witnessed on the ground is people being extraordinarily kind and supportive to each other. I wanted to celebrate that.'
Ali & Ava is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
