Ali & Ava

Ava's met a guy who's full of soul, he loves his punk and rock but folk don't make him roll, she's been single for a while, from a partner who was wild, used to kick her with big boots to keep control. Ali's in marriage that's come apart, his wife is leaving him, to look for a fresh start, but he's taken to Ava, thinks she might be a raver, although her son's quite prejudice and hopes to thwart.

Cultural differences and backgrounds abound, but that won't stop Ali and Ava pursuing each other to bring some warmth into their cold and often isolated and lonely worlds. Two top drawer performances in a not unfamiliar story against a rugged northern background.

This is the sort of British cinema that used to be called gritty kitchen sink drama, before it just became... drama. Either way this is a rather good one. Set in Yorkshire with a cast of relatable characters, telling a recognisable story, it's easy to watch, whilst being uneasy. Even if this world doesn't represent your life, I'm sure everyone can find something in what's a pretty layered narrative. Ali (Adeel Akhtar) and Ava (Claire Rushbrook) meet when people in their social spheres merge. He's the landlord for a family with a young girl called Sofia and Ava is Sofia's teacher or the assistant teacher that helps Sofia with learning difficulties. That might seem like an unlikely catalyst, but Ali and Ava are both people who go out of their way to help people. Ali in particular is able to break down boundaries with his out going child like excitable nature. Some boundaries run deep though. Ali has problems at home that he's trying to deny and as he and Ava grow closer, he's faced with issues in Ava's world too. Akhtar is brilliant, he always is. I've seen him more in TV, but here as a lead in a feature, with more screen time, he flourishes. Ali and Ava are from different cultures, different parts of town and although they warm to one another, those around them aren't so keen. It's pretty depressing truth be told, but life can be. It's hard work sometimes and no matter what you do, happiness can be hard to find and harder to hold on to, but hang in there. 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.

This is my first time I write a review. I found this movie so so beautiful. It made me cry and laugh, so its worthy. Finally a love story that doesn't look like a expensive fragance TV advertisment (aka: Call me by your name...). Complex characters, in complex situations (low class), with complex backgrounds (child trauma, violent experiences...) that fall in love but also they discover himselfs. And finally two main characters that doesn't seem like fashion models!!! People with assimetries and with imperfecions!! Music has a very important narrative paper, and not also love its discussed at this beautiful movie, because it also talks about racism and masclism!!

Oh, as an actor, I found the acting amazing. They won't be nominated for any rewards because they dont look like models and are not in Hollywood, but I dont care. I'm sure they recieve the same love that they give to be in such amazing characters.

100% worthy.

This gritty romantic drama set in contemporary northern England tells the story of an unlikely romance set against personal struggles and difficult lifestyle choices. It's the performances that matter here, holding the offbeat drama together. Helped by a convincing screenplay and assured direction, this is worth a look.

"Ali & Ava" is a beautiful little indie flick (lensed by one of my favourite cinematographers, Ole Bratt Birkeland) that's well worth the time of anyone questioning whether tuning in is a worthwhile investment.

Clio Barnard (the director) does an astonishing job here, cramming in impressive amounts of emotional depth & taking these characters on a meaningful journey in the space of just 90 minutes. She uses music & visual filmmaking to convey a plethora of information to the audience without ever having to linger for too long to stress the points she's trying to make on screen. Therefore, she provides the project with a natural concision & purposefulness which I found appreciable. What's more, I like how this is a rare love story between 2 middle aged people who aren't conventionally beautiful; Claire Rushbrook (who's genuinely incredible here) is 50 & Adeel Akhtar (another great actor, playing her love interest) is 41... Yet you don't usually see movies exploring newly forming relationships between individuals who are their age so this feels like a genuine breath of fresh air - & it's captured so intimately & with such sincerity, you can't help but be in awe of the poignancy of the tale being told. Loved each & every moment.