Clio Barnard’s Bradford romance Ali & Ava is an understated triumph…Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook embark on a forbidden affair in this charming and heartfelt drama.
What the Critics say...
by Alexa DalbyAli & Ava
[rating=4]
CAUTION: Here be spoilers
“There’s a tremendous human warmth to this love story…, a social-realist tale that you might compare to Ken Loach’s A Fond Kiss… It’s a drama of autumnal love conquering the divisions of race, the disillusionments of middle age, the discomfort of parenthood and grandparenthood, and the tensions of class…Barnard’s film is an essay in acceptance and love.” – Guardian
“These characters have a lot of problems, and on paper, they could be living miserable lives in a downbeat film. But, no: Barnard seeks out the positivity and beauty in their lives, with winning results…All in all, Ali & Ava is a charmer: Barnard’s most accessible and hopeful film to date.” – Deadline
“The film is a love story based on people Barnard got to know through making her previous films.” – Variety
